129 Skiffie Worlds

Send us Fan MailYou may notice that Portobello – especially the beach and indeed the waters of the Forth – are a little quieter than usual this coming week. The reason for this is that the two local rowing clubs are off to the ‘Skiffie Worlds’ – in other words, the World Championships for the St Ayles Skiffs, the rowing boats you see out almost every day. Row Porty will be heading off with a crew of 25; the Eastern Amateur Rowing Club will have almost double at 48 – and both will have family and other supporters cheering them on.The ‘Skiffie Worlds’ take place every three years. This year, it will take place over seven days off Stranraer in the hopefully calm waters of Loch Ryan. Almost 60 teams will be taking part, coming from as far afield as the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Tasmania and several European countries. They will be joined by a large contingent from Scotland – the event is being run under the auspices of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association. David Calder has been speaking to members of both Porty clubs to find out more.