Success at the Coigach Skiff Regatta
Posted: May 22, 2011 Filed under: Iain Oughtred, Scottish Coastal Rowing, St Ayles Skiff | Tags: Boatbuilding, boatlaunch, Clinker Ply, Coigach Lass, Coigach Skiff Regatta, Epoxy Ply, Iain Oughtred, Jordan Boats, Lapstrake Ply, Loch Broom, Ross Shire, Rowing Skiff, Scottish Coastal Rowing Project, Skiff Racing, St Ayles Skiff, Ullapool, Wooden Boat 2 Comments »for the overwhelming strength of the RowPorty team who hauled both their Skiffs, Icebreaker and Jenny Skylark, all the way from Sunny Edinbro’ to the North West Highlands. If they had forgotten what rain looked like they were amply reminded when they got here. They were warned – Summer has been and gone!
The triumphant Portobello Womens team seen winning the 4k Womens open event in fairly arduous conditions. We leave you to judge the bias of the renowned local commentator 
The Organisers of the Coigach Regatta were faced with some difficult decisions as the forecast steadily deteriorated over the preceding week, in the end they decided to move the event site from a Storm tossed Bardentarbat beach, where simply launching the Skiffs would have provided entertainment galore for the assembled spectators, to the more sheltered waters of Old Dornie Harbour where the launch area at least was reasonably calm. Despite the dire warnings issued by the OrgCom everybody who had said ‘Yes’ turned up. This gave a unique vision of Ten beautifully built St Ayles Skiffs on the water together. ‘Ulla’ and her crews were proud to have taken part, winning was never really our strategy. The results list will be posted at the end when it becomes available, suffice to say that the name Portobello featured strongly – A significant portion of the Coigach Trophy Oar manufactory went back down south with them. Watching the moving images above may well give some idea why they almost swept the board – just watch their technique. Grateful thanks are due to the Crews who braved less than perfect conditions to put on a fine display of coastal rowing for the surprisingly large crowd of spectators who lined the harbour banks. Thanks are also due to the Coigach Skiffies who put on an excellent event in very trying circumstances. Well done indeed. A selection of images from the day are below.
As usual click on the thumbnail to reveal the bigger picture
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- RowPorty levitating their way to victory
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- Careful study of the victorious opposition
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- A few of the hardy spectators huddled round the finish line area – respect for enduring the icy blast
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- taking it a bit easier
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- The UHS boat ‘Cul Mor’
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- Triumphant ‘Jenny Skylark’ from Portobello
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- Our very own ‘Ulla’
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- ‘Boatie Rows’ from Pert Seton
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- ‘Skiff John B’ from North Berwick
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- ‘Coigach Lass’ and her crew
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- ‘The Wee Michael’ from Newhaven on the Forth
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- Two RowPorty crews going head to head
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- Massed charge in the sprints
Ahh!!! That was brilliant!!! Well done to all the competitors, truly beautiful stuff…
The commentator had me in stitches, “What’s the energy drink in Portobello???”
Excellent images and really great coverage of the event! More power to you. Suas le Coigach Regatta!
Despite the weather we had a great time. Once you’re in the boat the weather doesn’t seem to matter. The long races were interesting and varied, and out of the corner of your eye you could see the scenery go past, and sometimes other boats if they were close.
You’re concentrating so hard, you see very little outside the boat’s immediate surroundings, but when the race ends, you can give the other boats congratulations because you know how hard it was for them, as it was for you.
Coigach was a great course, with a safe beach and harbour for getting in and out, interesting and varied scenery, and in the long races three varied legs and a very good finish straight for spectators. I think they should use this venue again.
The campsite was great, and the cooked breakfasts at the Fuaran very welcome! There was a warm welcome from everyone in Coigach and we will have a hard time to follow this event.