On the start line – Anstruther 29 May 2010

News about the Project is being posted on the “Home” tab above.

The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association was formed on 29 May 2010 to encourage Coastal Rowing & Racing around the Scottish Coastline and Lochs.

Communities are encouraged to become involved in the building of new boats to be rowed.  Members of the community then also become involved, many for the first time, in using the sea for fitness, friendship, and competition.

In the first season of boat building, oar making, practices, regattas and meetings around the Scottish Coast, hundreds of people new to these activites enjoyed the teamwork required to build and race these skiffs.  As well as making new friends within their communities, participants met and learned about the other communities who are participating, many of which share a common history through the sea.  We are now enjoying the 2011 season, with more communities having become involved.

The design of the St Ayles Skiff was commissioned from Iain Oughtred by the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther, Fife.  Jordan Boats has made a kit* for the design.  The basic principle of this project is that the boats to be raced should be available at as low a price as possible.  The estimated cost of completion of one of these skiffs  is around £3500.

The concept has been a remarkable success remarkably quickly, with more than 40 boats either in use or in build throughout Scotland.  It has now attracted world wide attention.  The building of six St Ayles Skiffs is confirmed in Maine, USA, with others in New York, Connecticut, and Oregon, and firm intentions expressed for at least another ten to be started in the USA in the Fall.  Two are in build in the Netherlands, and there has been strong interest in Australia.   Our kit supplier, Jordan Boats, is more than happy to deal with enquiries from overseas, as well as from any Scottish communities that wish to join those already involved.

The St Ayles Skiff is 22ft, with a beam of 5’8″.  The standard Crew is four rowers, each with a single oar, and a coxswain.  Other crew combinations are possible.  The name of the design comes from the former chapel which now forms the entrance to the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

Available below are the basic leaflet and the Prospectus for the project.

*Kit cost of £1451 is based on pre-payment.  For credit terms please contact Jordan Boats.  Other items are necessary to complete the boat.