Thousands of rowers heading to Dumfries and Galloway for SkiffieWorlds 2025
Thousands of rowers are heading to Dumfries and Galloway for the SkiffieWorlds 2025.
A record 79 entries have been received for the triennial world championship event, which is returning to Stranraer after a successful debut in 2019.
And it is set to be the largest ever gathering of St Ayles skiffs, with more than 2,000 rowers expected to compete between July 6 and 12.
Trustee of Stranraer Water Sports Association, Wendi Cuffe, said: 'We are thrilled with the interest in SkiffieWorlds 2025. To be hosting the largest ever gathering of St Ayles skiffs is testament to both the growing popularity of coastal rowing worldwide and Stranraer's growing reputation as an exceptional venue for water sports events.
'Teams from across four continents will be arriving in our town this July, with rowers travelling from as far as Australia, USA, Canada, and South Africa, alongside several teams from the Netherlands and a strong contingent from across the UK and Ireland.
'The response has exceeded all our expectations and reinforces Stranraer's position as a premier destination for major water sports events. We look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike to what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of coastal rowing.'
The St Ayles skiff is a four-oared rowing boat with a cox, designed to be built by the communities that race them.
Topher Dawson of Scottish Coastal Rowing, said: 'The St Ayles skiff movement began in Scotland 15 years ago with the aim of reconnecting communities with their coastal heritage through boat building and rowing. To see it grow into a global phenomenon with the largest ever gathering taking place in Stranraer is remarkable.
'What makes Stranraer such a perfect venue is the combination of Loch Ryan's sheltered waters and the town's exceptional hospitality. The long beach is a perfect place for the colourful club gazebos and launching skiffs, and the quiet traffic free promenade backed by Agnew Park allows easy access to the town. Skiff rowers were delighted in 2019 by the warm welcome from Stranraer residents.
'After the outstanding success of SkiffieWorlds 2019, rowers from around the world have been eager to return. The record number of entries for 2025 speaks volumes about Stranraer's standing within the international coastal rowing community.'
The championship will be spectator friendly, with excellent viewing opportunities along the waterfront, big screens and professional commentary.
There will also be a shoreside festival in Agnew Park including live music, family activities, an artisan market, theatre performances, a wellbeing hub, nature-based activities and circus workshops.
SkiffieWorlds 2025 is hosted by Stranraer Water Sports Association on behalf of St Ayles Skiff International. It is supported by funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council, EventScotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Kilgallioch Community Fund and The Galloway Association of Glasgow. The headline sponsor of the event is EcoGen.
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