Coastal rowing races find their ‘ideal location’ in Stranraer

The south-west of Scotland has been hailed as the “ideal location” for coastal rowing after hosting a major championships.

Competitors from round the world were in Stranraer to race on Loch Ryan in the SkiffieWorlds which drew to a close on Saturday.

Northern Ireland’s Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club successfully defended their title.

Max Berends, who chairs St Ayles Skiff International, said the “whole package” had come together at the Scottish event.

The St Ayles skiff is a 22-foot (6.7m) fixed-seat rowing boat and is usually built by the community that rows it.

The championships take place every three years and were last held in Stranraer in 2019.

“As a blueprint for SkiffieWorlds I’d say Stranraer is the ideal location,” said Mr Berends.

“It runs very smoothly, the volunteers and the community are tremendous, and it all comes together to create an event that is ideal.

“Even with the challenging weather at the start of the event, we were able to reschedule easily because of the scale of the water.”

Teams travelled from Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa and the Netherlands to compete with teams from across the UK and Ireland.

Wendi Cuffe, trustee of organisers Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA) said: “It’s been amazing. I’m in absolute awe that these people have come from so far to fill our beach and to race on Loch Ryan.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic.”

The SkiffieWorlds is part of wider efforts to promote the area as a water sports destination.

Work has started on a £6.7m hub in Stranraer, which it is hoped can open next summer.

The next major event to be hosted by the SWSA will be the Scottish Fin and Foil Championships from 8 to 10 August.