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Prince Edward County is ‘Team Canada’ at Skiffie Worlds in Ireland

Ayle-of-Quinte-skiff

Prince Edward County will send the first Canadian team ever to row at the 2016 Skiffie Worlds championship in Strangford Lough, Ireland next week.

Under the auspices of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, more than 80 skiffs and 120 teams are expected – including teams from, Northern Ireland, UK, Scotland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Tasmania – July 24-30.

All of the St Ayles skiffs have been built within their communities, thanks to a system that allows even non-specialist builders to produce a high specification, traditionally-styled wooden racing boat.

skiff-worlds-teamThe County’s Ayle of Quinte six-member team of Sandy Pratt, Elyse Graff, Jane Dean, Marilyn Kennedy, Tony Dean and Bob McKittrick will be competing in the 50+ mixed, men and women, as well as 60+ mixed men and women events.

Last Thursday, Mayor Robert Quaiff and South Marysburgh councillor Steve Ferguson met the team at Waupoos Marina for a sendoff in preparation for its trip to Ireland.

A recent membership drive has seen the club grow to 37 active members who the club’s Don Farrington notes are mostly “mature adults of which the average age remains classified, although we’re happy to say we have attracted a few younger members.”

skiff-william-shipp

Boat number three – the William S. Shipp – has joined the fleet – a gift from Renfrew College Hartford CT.

“It appears they were unable to make a go of their rowing program so it was cancelled last year. We had met the folks several times over the past three years at various racing events and when it came time for them to dispose of their skiff, they thought of us,” said Farrington.

Last weekend 13 rowers attended the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum 20th Annual Challenge Race in Vergennes VT. This marked the club’s third, and most successful trip to this event.
“Unfortunately, the main race, the St. Ayle Sprint Race (one mile out and one mile back) had to be cancelled due to a severe thunder storm,” said Farrington. “Sunday cleared up and the three mile endurance race was held. It was our best outing ever. We won first, second and third place in our class and out-raced several seven-man gigs which should have been a lot faster than us. It just proves that winning is a combination of technique, training and strength.”

The County’s club recruited two American rowers to round out its team – one was the original builder of the William S. Shipp, who joined in to say a farewell to his boat.

Photos by Chris Ireland

Skiff-clubs-three-boats

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  1. Susan Rose says:

    Amazing! Best of luck!!

  2. hockeynan says:

    Way to go.Good luck in Ireland

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