Strangford Lough is a large sea lough in County Down, in the east of Northern Ireland. It’s the home of Down Coastal Rowing Association (DCRA), the representative body of affiliated Coastal Rowing clubs within County Down. DCRA are the organisers of the annual Skiffie Fest regatta. Troon has a fantastic historic link to the association and was instrumental in its foundation. Back in 2014, just a few years after its foundation, TCRC journeyed across the water to show off Marr Voyager to an enthusiastic Northern Irish audience. Shortly afterwards, six skiffs were ordered for local clubs. You can see an interview with Jim and Harry online at:
The name Strangford comes from the Old Norse Strangfjörthr, meaning “strong fjord” and was a regular haunt of Vikings from the 7th to 13th century. What a fitting location for our own bunch of roaming warriors crossing the sea to battle on the waters of Northern Ireland.
Fourteen nervous Vikings caught the ferry from Stranraer across the Irish Sea. A first for many of the crew to visit Northern Ireland and a first to Skiffie Fest for some too! We had heard tales of regatta battles over campfires (Harbour bar) and wondered if one day we would fight on those shores. The time had come!
Fourteen warrior rowers joined the TCRC crew and set off to battle.
Fifteen Clubs participated across nineteen boats to join this national battle. Clubs from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England all competed on Strangford Lough.
The regatta consisted of a course running 1km North and around a marker buoy returning the 1km back across the start line. Most races would be run in two heats with the top 14 boats competing in a final race. A number of races went straight to single final races due to the number of competing clubs. The regatta ran over three days with 24 separate race categories covering under 17s up to 280+ crews. TCRC planned to compete in 10 of the 24 races across the three days.
After a ferry journey full of colourful characters, the crew initiated its battle plan with half heading to set up camp and the other half heading straight to the lough. MJ even had to breathe in when traversing some of the roads. The team got MJ in the water and the set up of a forward operating base ready for the forthcoming battle. The atmosphere was electric. The tension was high.
The first and only race of the first day was the 60+ women’s race with Mike R in the Cox seat. Christine R took stroke with Adrienne in 3. Jacqui sat in 2 with Christine C taking the bow seat.
Fourteen boats lined up on the start line ready for this epic battle. The wind was high and the tide was racing. Off to a great start, the ladies rowed their hearts out. It was clear from this first battle that competition over the regatta was going to be extremely high. Despite this, our crew fought for every metre on the water and finished an incredible third place behind Strangford and Golspie. A great start to the regatta rewarded with a champagne reception on returning to the TCRC camp.
First night at the TCRC camp and much talk of rowing and tactics! Nerves were dampened with the traditional beer and wine remedy. We understand that to this day, Christine R is still wearing that medal won on day one.
Early to bed and day two quickly followed. An early rise for all and preparations started for a fun packed day.
The first race for TCRC on day two was the 40+ Female heat. Mike R was Cox for this race. Louise took the stroke seat and Lorna in 3. Jacqui sat in 2 and Kathleen was in bow.
The guys were drawn in heat 2 and rowed like there was no tomorrow finishing with a decent time to take them into the final. Time seemed to be moving quickly in Northern Ireland and the next race was upon us. The race was the Open Mixed and TCRC was in heat 2. Mike R took the Cox seat with Kevin in stroke. Lorna took 3, Lizzie in 2 and Neil in bow.
Giving their all on the water, the team finished in a time that took them through to the final later in the day. Feedback from the team when they returned indicated that competition on the water was high and the return leg against the wind and tide was tough going.
The third race of the day was the 50+ Mixed. This was a single race straight to the final with 14 boats competing. Christine C was now in the Cox seat. Adrienne took stroke and Adrian sat in 3. Mike K was in 2 and Kathleen took bow.
Yet another epic battle followed. TCRC were off to a good start but it was evident that these clubs were a cut above many others. The guys rowed like champs and finished a respectable eighth in the middle of the pack. Golspie Rowing Club stormed across the finishing line to take first place and bring some more medals back to Scotland.
The next race was another single race with no heats. The 40+ Male was coxed by Christine C. Kevin took stroke and Adrian took 3. Neil sat in 2 with Steve in bow.
With the youngest crew member in this race at 57, TCRC was at a bit of a disadvantage but up for the fight. Conditions on the water were improving and the sun was out. Another decent start for TCRC. Christine C guided the guys towards the turning buoy and kept their heads up and eyes forward. 12 boats charging up the lough searching for victory and stories to tell. Golspie again grabbing first place with an awesome row. Troon with a fast time and finishing in ninth place. Competition was fierce and everything was left on the water.
Things moved at pace. The organisation was like clockwork. Every Troon crew returning from battle was applauded and hugged by their fellow TCRC rowers. People jostled for views across the lough watching for their clubs racing and returning.
Time for the 40+ Female final and the fifth race of the day for TCRC. 14 boats lined up on the start line ready to race. Another race where Troon were “giving away” quite a few years to the competition but again that didn’t stop these ladies. Yet another full on and fast race ensued with Ardglass Coastal Rowing Club romping home in a very fast time. TCRC finished thirteenth.
The last race for TCRC for the day was the final of the Open Mixed. Fourteen boats lined up chasing those elusive medals. TCRC fought from the outset but as we saw all day, the competition was on a whole new level. Eastern Amateur Coastal Rowing glided across the lough with an almost effortless stroke whilst Golspie fought hard against them. At the finish line Eastern took victory followed by Golspie 5 seconds behind them. Troon crossed the line in thirteen place.
An exhausted TCRC crew headed back to camp to reflect on a hard fought day. Six tough races against world class competition was awesome but also exhausting. Much rowing debate followed over a fabulous feast, interspersed with singing, wine, beer and the odd baby Guiness. The day ahead clearly needed a rethink with a potential of 10 races. This was sealed when, after too many hours perched in the Cox seat, Mike R had to bow out of the competition and watch from the sidelines.
Day 3 was here and it felt like we only arrived a minute ago. A few swapped seats and a dropped race reduced the overall burden and made the day look a bit more achievable. This was a valuable lesson for Worlds!
The first race of the day was the 40+ Mixed and TCRC was in heat 2.
Christine C took the Cox seat with Louise in stroke. Lorna sat in 3 and Neil in 2. Steve took the bow seat. Nine boats sat on the start line eager to row. From the outset, Eastern glided to the front of the pack. The Troon crew rowed for all they were worth but once again giving away too many years to the competition. A fast race followed with Eastern taking another first place ahead of the other boats. Unfortunately TCRC failed to reach the final despite their valiant efforts. Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club went on to win the final with Golspie taking second place and Eastern taking third.
The next race of the day was the 50+ Male. Christine C took the Cox seat and Kevin was in stroke. Adrian sat in 3 and Mike K in 2. For this race Neil was in the bow seat. Troon was in heat 2 and 8 boats fought for a place in the final.
The Troon crew flew off the start line and comfortably finished in the middle of the pack with energy saved in the tank for the final later in the day. The next race of the day was the 50+ Female and Troon were in heat 2.
Adrian stepped in to take the Cox seat and Christine R sat in stroke. Christine C took 3, Adrienne took 2 and Kathleen sat in bow. This was another incredible heat with boats neck and neck towards the turning buoy. The Troon ladies flew across the finishing line with a time to take them into the final later in the day.
The fourth race was the Open Female and Adrian again stepped into take the role of Cox.
Louise sat in stroke with Lorna in 3. Lizzie sat in 2 and Jacqui took bow. This was another fast race with Sketrick leading from the start and finishing first in the heat way ahead of all other boats. Unfortunately our Troon ladies did not make the final with Ardglass, Sketrick and Eastern taking the top three places in the final.
The fifth race of the day was the final of the 50+ Male category. 13 boats lined up on the start line waiting for the signal. Christine C, in the cox’s seat, grabbed onto the starter buoy for dear life and waited on the call for attention and go. And they were off to yet another flying start. This was a quick race with great conditions on the water and Troon were in the pack. Eastern and Sketrick again showed their pace and powered ahead with Troon chasing the leading boats. The guys finished with an incredible fifth place with Eastern grabbing yet another gold medal.
The last race for Troon was the final of the 50+ female with Adrian again in the cox seat. 13 boats jostled back and forth on the start line eager to go. The ladies sat with anticipation knowing how tough this competition was. This was yet another fast race and as they disappeared into the distance every team watched hoping for victory. For Eastern and Dundrum it was battle from start to finish with an almost photo finish and Eastern grabbing a well deserved gold and winning by less than a second ahead of Dundrum and Strangford taking third. The Troon ladies got a respectable 9th place with a fast time but unfortunately the competition were at the top of their game.
Skiffie Fest was over. We blinked and it was gone. Like a well oiled machine, the crew set about getting MJ out the water and breaking camp.
Back at camp, yet another feast was devoured. We were a team, even when cooking and cleaning. Spirits were high and we were genuinely proud of our achievements against world class opposition. Everyone was reflective and discussions quickly moved on to how we could progress as a team and as a club. We considered the world championships in 2025 and reflected on what was needed. As you walked through the house, every conversation was on techniques, boats, oars, fitness, training and in many cases awe at some of the other clubs we watched and admired. The conversations continue to this day and we will find a way of expanding to the whole club and getting invaluable input to every single question.
Skiffie Fest was a well organised regatta and people were so welcoming to TCRC. I think it will form a special memory in every single person who attended from TCRC and strengthened bonds for future races. Thanks to our travelling supporters club (Steven Bargh) for joining us and one day you will leave that lycra behind and join us on the water.
Forthcoming Regattas
The next race is one of our favourites and is North Berwick on the 31st August. We would love for you to join us even if you aren’t on the water but want to come and look at boats and talk to other rowers and boat builders.