It may not be generally known but the new Co-Chairpersons of the Strathpeffer & District Community Rowing Club, Hazel Inglis and Nicola Williamson, are both residents of Contin. And they are both World Medal winners when the Club towed its skiff the 800 miles to the south of The Netherlands for the World Skiffies where 4 rowers and cox from the Club won Bronze Medals.
The Club attracts Members of all ages and from 12 to 80+ from all parts of Ross-shire and beyond and members can participate in regular all year round rows from its base at The Storehouse of Foulis on the Inner moray Firth.
The Club was formed in 2017 and has participated in coastal rowing regattas in Golspie, Ullapool, Cromarty and Kirkwall as well as in events such as Moster the Loch (rowing the length of Loch Ness) and Caste
to Crane (rowing from Dumbarton Castle to the Finnieston Crane on the Clyde) and at the end of August each year holds its own regatta at The Storehouse.
In addition to coastal rowing the Club’s other main activities is building the St Ayles skiffs (in a steading on the Brahan estate) in which Members row and volunteers are currently building a traditional Ness Yoal (Yawl) which will be used for sailing and rowing.
The Club also organises social events fund-raising events and works closely with the nearest coastal rowing clubs.
The current annual membership fees are £50 per annum Adult, £75 for families and all Under 18’s have free membership – this also applies to Associate Membership which allows anyone to have 2 trial rows before
committing to full membership.
Membership covers access to regular rows and / or skiff building with training provided by qualified coxes and if interested in competitive rowing members can take part in training and sign up for teams once some experience is gained.
The Club is fully insured and provides life jackets for loan and each skiff is equipped with a VHF radio and safety equipment required by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association – the Club’s parent body.
Coastal rowing is proven to improve physical and mental health and is a way to meet new people
socialise and volunteer for club activities.
The Club is always keen to expand its membership and anyone is welcome to join the club by sending an email to strathpeffercrc@gmail.com.
(Article written by Tor Justad)