Down Coastal Rowing Association

Our Beginnings

The Association was formed in 2015 out of coastal community groups formed by Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership to build and row community boats or skiffs.

The boat used was the St. Ayles Skiff originally designed and built in Scotland.

These community groups in and around the County Down coast later became Rowing Clubs which in turn formed this Association.

The Association decided to follow the model of the Scottish Coastal Rowing. 

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Our Objectives

2.1 The Association shall promote primarily the St. Ayles Skiff and support the building and use of Coastal  Rowing Boats in Co Down and stimulate healthy competition between Communities and Clubs by means of Races, Regattas or other organised events.

2.2 The Association shall promote Coastal Rowing as a healthy activity, which can be done safely by people of all ages at a level suited to their competence, experience and state of fitness and which in addition provides unique opportunities to be close to nature and to wild life.

2.3 The Association will encourage its members to adopt and apply best practise in Health and Safety, Safety at Sea, and Child Protection and to take personal responsibility for  their application.

2.4 The Association shall foster close relationships between the builders of boats and equipment and rowers, so that there is better understanding of skills and craftsmanship, design and materials.

2.5 The Association will encourage members to meet socially.

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Irish Coastal Rowing Federation

The Federation is the governing body for rowing in Ireland and each member Club of the Down Coastal  Rowing Association is automatically affiliated to  the Federation. This brings benefits of funding, knowledge and experience, training and participation in regional, national and international competition. It also opens the door to forming long lasting friendship and relationships with other Rowing Clubs in Ireland.

Coastal  Rowing has now got Olympic Status and participation at this level will mean working through your Association with the Federation to reach that Olympic goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coastal  Rowing Worldwide

Through local Regattas, the All Ireland and World Championship, affiliated Clubs have now built up friends in coastal rowing from all over Ireland, UK, Holland, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. 

Being members of the Association means we can co-ordinate events and arrangements to visit other Clubs and Associations and support home Clubs and organisation host national and international events here in Co. Down.

Future Development

The face of Coastal Rowing is changing all the time and it is the job of the Association to keep all affiliated Clubs up to date with these developments and ensure your views are heard by the relevant governing bodies.

Changes in  Rules:

For example, the design of boats, oars etc.

Racing categories and instruction 

St. Ayles Skiffs Worldwide Governing Body

A new  international body is to be set up to control rules for:

• The construction, registration and racing of St. Ayles Skiffs

• Deciding where and when World Championships will be held.

Each Association, including Down, will be represented on that group.

As an affiliated Club, you will have your say in any proposals put forward by the Association.

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