St. Michael’s Rowing Club at Dun Laoghaire Harbour will launch the East Coast skiff rowing season with its annual regatta at Seapoint on 17 May 2026. The event marks the opening regatta of the season along the Dublin Bay coastline and is expected to attract crews, supporters and spectators from across the region.
Traditional wooden skiffs will race offshore in a celebration of Ireland’s coastal rowing heritage and maritime traditions. The regatta reflects generations of craftsmanship and seamanship linked to the historic hobblers of Dublin Bay. Organisers say the event is as much about community as competition, with volunteers playing a central role in preparing boats, coordinating logistics and ensuring safety on the water.
Skiffs race off Seapoint for St Michael’s Rowing Club’s season-opening regatta
Club Captain Ciaran Mulcahy led preparations for the regatta alongside volunteers working throughout the year to maintain and restore the club’s fleet. Special recognition was given to volunteers Mark Loughran, Aoife Byrne, Dave McGuiness and Oisin Butler for their work on boat maintenance and club preparations.
Club Chairperson David Cullen thanked members and supporters for their contribution to the event. “The Skiff Regatta is a highlight of our calendar, and it simply wouldn’t happen without the tireless work of our members and supporters,” he said. “Their dedication ensures that we can continue to share this important part of our maritime heritage with the wider community.”
Club Captain Ciaran Mulcahy also thanked volunteers for their commitment to preparing the fleet and supporting the regatta operation ahead of the season's opening event.
The regatta is open to the wider public and aims to encourage participation in coastal rowing by welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. Organisers say it offers an opportunity to experience the atmosphere and traditions of one of Ireland’s long-standing maritime sports.
