SERVICE ABOVE SELF


AUGUST 2017: ISSUE 101


On Tuesday 25th July, the Club was treated to a talk on Coastal Rowing by Steve Spackman. Steve, a former lecturer in Mo d e r n H i s t o r y, wa s instrumental in establishing, the St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club (SACRC). There has been a tradition of coastal rowing in British waters developed from such places as Cornwall where the light, fast rowing boat known as a gig is still operating. Originally used for pilotage and lifeboats in the 18th and 19th centuries, there are still 146 registered and today coastal rowing clubs can be found around the world. The type of boat used in Scotland is the skiff, a double-ended, wide-beamed boat that carries a crew of 5. Since 2009, 156 skiffs based on a Fair Isle design have been built and another 100 are under construction. Clubs are administered by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association. Formed in 2010, it aims to promote community participation and runs regattas from May to October throughout Scotland.


Looks like John and Fiona are keen to have a go!


The St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club came into existence in 2013 and a boat was built in an upstairs room at the local sailing club. With the membership quickly growing to 40, it was not long before a second boat was required, this time built in a Market Street garage. The Club now has 60 members and a third, smaller boat is under construction. With close links to the Cosmos Centre, the Harbour Trust and Help for Heroes, the club ensures that rowing can be a pastime for all - young, not so young, able- bodied or with a disability. For more information or possible participation or membership, c o n s u l t t h e i r w e b s i t e , www.stacrc.org.uk, or Facebook page.


Submitted by Jim Douglas 14


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