After successfully completing the open sea rowing race (the Celtic Challenge) in traditional wooden skiffs this year, the Dun Laoghaire club are now hosting their own long distance challenge for invited clubs. To make it happen the club is trying to get the entire Dun Laoghaire community involved. David Cullen of St. Michael's Rowing Club reports on 'The Hobbler's Challenge 2010'.

The Race

The race will take place from the back of the marina breakwater in Dun Laoghaire harbour at 2pm on the 21st August 2010. The start lines for the teams will be positioned just below the hobbler's memorial on the breakwater. The race distance is 25 miles. The previous event lasted over three hours. There will be food and music on the day as well as a prize giving ceremony at a well known venue in Dun Laoghaire.

The event will be the last in the east coast skiff racing calendar and is a test of endurance.

The Tradition

As per local tradition, all teams will row traditional east coast skiffs comprising four oarsmen and one coxswain in wooden clinker-built boats. Present day racing skiffs reflect their traditional origins, and are twenty-five foot long, clinker built double-enders.Between the 18th and 19th centuries the hobblers of Dublin Bay invented the original rowing race. The skiffs would leave Dún Laoghaire, Ringsend and other nearby harbours to meet ships arriving into Dublin as far away as the Kish bank. The first crew to the ship would win the business of pilotage and unloading.

The Club

Contact Details: David CullenTel: 0868826189Email: [email protected]

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