Weather permitting there will be a gathering of some of the Argyll skiffs at Otter Ferry this Sunday (17 November 2013). Otter Ferry, as the road signs notably declare, has no ferry so the skiffs from Mid-Argyll, Kilmelford and Seil will be rowing across Loch Fyne to the muster point. They will be be joined there by skiff ”Archie Smith” from Kyles CRC and possibly one of the Royal West boats. The scenery is stunning and the company will be great. We look forward to seeing the report afterwards.
The beautiful coastline of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides will be suitably enhanced next year by the presence of more St Ayles skiffs. Amongst those listed above many will be familiar with Selkie (from the Isle of Seil) and Islay’s Lily Bheag who were both present at the Skiffie Worlds. Islay have launched their second skiff Bluebell, and there is the possibility of further builds on the Island.
Isle of Mull are well ahead with the building of their first skiff at Tobermory, starting to apply paint only four weeks after picking up the kit, and are planning to start a second build. Oban Coastal Rowing Club has been formed with the intention of building a skiff in the biggest town in Argyll. Port Appin, a small village close to the North End of Lismore, between Oban and Fort William, will hopefully be building a skiff in the near future, and there have been expressions of interest from Campbeltown and Luing. Argyll has hundred’s of miles of coastline perfect for community rowers, so anyone else thinking of starting coastal rowing in their community should get in touch through the contacts page and keep an eye out for other builders on the club finder.