Thousands of spectators are expected to visit Stranraer in South West Scotland after it has been chosen as the venue for Skiffieworlds 2019. The hosts of the competition are the Stranraer St Ayles Skiff Project. The championships will run from 7 July 2019 through to 13 July 2019.
Skiffieworlds is the World Championship for the St Ayles Skiff class of coastal rowing boat. The Championships are held every three years. Ullapool in North West Scotland hosted the inaugural championship in 2013, and Skiffieworlds 2016 was held at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. Previous championships were attended by crews representing local communities from as far apart as Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Netherlands. England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Over 1000 competitors are expected to take part at Skiffieworlds 2019, and it is hoped that newly built boats will encourage participants from Eire, Denmark and France to attend, along with anywhere else that builds a St Ayles Skiff before July 2019.
Robbie Wightman, SCRA convenor, said this week: “International delegations went to all the potential venues for Skiffieworlds2019. We were very impressed by the proposals put forward by Stranraer and are delighted that they have accepted the offer to host the championships. The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association looks forward to working with the local organisers to put together a memorable event for locals and visitors, featuring safe, spectator friendly, exciting and enjoyable racing along with giving everyone a chance to experience the beauty and the welcome that Stranraer, Loch Ryan and the wider area of Galloway have to offer.”
Raymond Mundle, Chair of the Stranraer St Ayles Skiff Project said “We are all delighted with the news of Stranraer’s successful bid, and look forward to working hard with all concerned to deliver an outstanding World Championship.” Wendi Cuffe, also from the working group added “This will bring a real buzz to Stranraer. It presents a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful Loch Ryan and will be fantastic for the town , the people and the area”
Stranraer was chosen after a careful selection process which involved each of the potential venues being visited by a delegation of five experts, with each delegation having rowers from at least three different countries and key organisers from the previous skiffieworlds’ hosts. Thank you to those delegates, and thank you to the unsuccessful bidders, either of whom could we are sure host an excellent championships and will hopefully go on to host great events in the future.
