#coastalrowing – For coastal rowers along the east coast of Ireland, August bank holiday Monday means one thing; the Wicklow Regatta. This year, crews and clubs from Skerries in the North to Arklow in the South came together to battle each other – and some tough rowing conditions – for the coveted silverware and the last few championship points of 2015. In the end, Stella Maris rowing club from Ringsend emerged as season champions, followed by their near neighbours St. Patrick's Rowing Club, with St. Michael's Rowing Club of Dun Laoghaire in 3rd place overall.
A total of nine clubs were represented on the day, each having hosted their own regatta during June and July. With 15 race categories covering men's, ladies', mixed, novice, and children's crews , it was certainly a busy day's racing, with the magic 100 crew mark reached for the first time in the sport's history. A particular highlight of the day was the U12s race, which was held inside the harbour as opposed to the standard open water course, giving a great spectacle for the cheering crowds.
The Wicklow Regatta is now in its 3rd century of existence. The competing clubs from the east coast all row traditional wooden, clinker built skiffs which are found nowhere else in the world. The boats are descended from the hobbling boats that once worked the harbours where these clubs now stand, and many of the current rowers trace their roots back to those who once made their living piloting ships into Irish Sea ports.
The competing clubs on the East Coast Circuit are (from north to south) Skerries, St. Patrick's (Ringsend), Stella Maris (Ringsend), St. Michael's (Dun Laoghaire), Dalkey, Bray, Greystones, Wicklow, and Arklow. All crews are rowed with 4 rowers with a single wooden oar each and a coxswain. Most races involve a single 180 degree turn, with each crew turning their own mark to starboard. The Men's races involve 3 turns. The Clubs are generally active from March until August, and all welcome new members. Most clubs also compete in other events outside of the East Coast Circuit.