Rowing battles commence

Rowing battles commence

27 July 2016

THE hosting of the Skiffie World Championships on Strangford Lough this week has been hailed an “oarsome” success by competitors and organisers.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is hosting the prestigious event which concludes this Saturday marking the start of the Strangford Lough Festival.

Picturesque Strangford has been chosen by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association as the host venue for this world-class rowing event, with 50 community built skiffs and 1,000 participants in the area to take part in this international rowing race.  

The skiffs are traditionally styled colourful rowing boats, each one carefully crafted by the community of rowers and many have carved features representing their region, such as Donaghadee’s Light house and Dundrum’s Seal. Throughout the week there will be various heats with the fastest boats taking part in the final this Saturday.

The local council has worked closely with organisers, local rowing clubs and competitors to develop an appealing programme around the Skiffie Worlds to highlight the area’s unique cultural and historical attractions and mark the area as a premier tourism destination on the island of Ireland.

Council chairwoman, Gillian Fitzpatrick, described the hosting of the world championships on the internationally acclaimed waterway as “hugely significant.”

She continued: “We are very proud to work with the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association and our neighbouring council in Ards and North Down as well as the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership to bring this to fantastic event to fruition. 

“This promises to be a week of excitement from the thrill of the Skiffs racing down the Narrows, to kids’ workshops, theatrical performances, craft exhibitions, live music, street entertainment and an artisan food fayre. There is truly something for everyone.”

Rowallane councillor, Terry Andrews, has congratulated everyone involved in the event, with Delamont Country Park playing a key role during the world championship festival.

“Organisers and the many people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes over many months ahead of the event’s formal launch deserve praise. Their plans have come to fruition and the appearance of so many Skiffs on Strangford Lough is truly spectacular,” he continued.

“It is great to see competitors from so many countries from across the globe coming to the district and I wish them all good luck as we build up to this weekend’s final. This event is brilliant for our district and a good news story, providing people with an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of our area and see what we are about.”