Ardglass Coastal Rowing Club launch second St Ayles skiff
Following on from the successful building of the Ardglass Lass, the Ardglass Coastal Rowing Club have launched their second St Ayles skiff, Jordan’s Crew.
As communities across the County Down seaboard increasingly get involved in coastal rowing, Ardglass CRC has grown in membership as have many of the other local clubs.
The St Ayles skiifs are rowed by four crew members and a coxwain at the helm. People of all ages are getting involved in this popular recreational sport.
Peter Keenan, Chairman of Ardglass CRC, said: “The launch of our second skiff today has been a great success. Two years ago Ardglas Coastal Rowing Club filled out an expression of interest form for a SeaFlag funding grant to build a new St Ayles skiff.
“The project was approved and scheduled to take approx 18 months. One of the aims of the project was to involve members of the community, of all ages to help with the build.
“Members of the club and the community got involved in the project, learning new boat building skills, forming new friendships and enjoying a new active hobby of coastal rowing on our beautiful Lecale coast.
“The skiff was built in the yard at the rear of the Ardglass Heritage Centre.
“Ardglass CRC would like to thank everyone who helped including the SEAFLAG funders, Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats who supplied the boat kit, and all the local sponsors and those who helped build the boat. And I’d like to give a special mention to all the rowers from other coastal rowing clubs who came along on the day to support the launch event.
“We enjoyed a few hours of competitive rowing following the official launch of the boat. And there were Try Row sessions for members of the public to get a hands on experience of rowing a skiff.”
Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats also attended the skiff launch and was delighted that Ardglass CRC were going from strength -to-strength. He said: “It is marvellous to see the Ardglass club doing so well.
“In just a short time they have made their mark by performing well in the World Championships in Holland this summer and now completing the building of their second skiff.
“Skiff rowing has become popular across many countries now. To date we have produced 402 skiff kits for clubs as far as the USA and Holland but mainly across the UK.
“The sport inevitably slowed down over the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is picking up again. We supply the basic kit, but clubs then need to source extra wood fittings etc locally to complete their skiffs.
“Skiff building is a very social experience where people come together and strengthen their communities. It’s a very positive experience when they grow relationships and links.
“It’s amazing. And you can take an experienced cox and have four inexperienced rowers rowing well within have an hour.
“There are many benefits in rowing such as physical exercise, meeting new friends, and improving mental health. It is a win-win situation for us all.
“And Ardglass has a lovely sheltered bay to row in and a couple of different launch venues which is great.
“When I set up Jordan Boats I never expected skiff rowing to be so popular. I thought I would have sold 30-40 kits, but demand has exceeded this over the ten years we have been running.”
PHOTOS OF THE LAUNCH OF ARDGLASS CRC SKIFF
Ricky le Bloas, master boatbuilder, who oversaw the building of the two Ardglass skiffs, said: “It was a pleasure to work with everyone to get the Jordans Crew skiff completed and ready for the water.
“It was a great learning curve for those involved and my thanks again to everyone who has helped make the Ardglass CRC experience a success.
“I’d like to offer a special thanks to Alec Jordan for his vision in creating the St Ayles skiff kits which many of the local clubs are enjoying the benefits of in their rowing events and sessions.”
Ardglass CRC chairman Peter Keenan also added that the club will be encouraging junior members to try their hands at skiff rowing so that a new generation of rowers can enjoy the sport. Already there are teens and rowers in their 70’s taking part in coastal rowing, such is the cross-generational popularity.
