79 Clubs At Skiffieworlds 2025

Eskmuthe will take part in the largest-ever coastal rowing competition as 79 clubs prepare to converge on Stranraer in July.

Skiffieworlds 2025 is ready to welcome more than 2,000 rowers as the triennial event returns to Stranraer following its highly successful debut in the town in 2019. 

Eskmuthe will contest 19 categories during the week of racing, from July 6-12th, on Loch Ryan in the south-west of Scotland.

This is the 5th world championships and promises to be the most competitive yet - with some categories (50+ mix and 50+ women) having 70 boats on the start-line. The most popular categories will be split across 5 heats, with top 2 in each heat and the 5 fastest losers qualifying for the 15-boat final.

Wendi Cuffe, Trustee of Stranraer Water Sports Association, said: “We are thrilled with the interest in SkiffieWorlds 2025. To be hosting the largest ever gathering of St Ayles skiffs is testament to the growing popularity of coastal rowing worldwide. 

“Teams from across four continents will be arriving in July, with rowers travelling from as far as Australia, USA, Canada, and South Africa, alongside several teams from the Netherlands and a strong contingent from the UK and Ireland.

“The response has exceeded all our expectations.”

David Lee, Regatta Officer for Eskmuthe Rowing Club, said: “It’s amazing to be part of the biggest-ever celebration of coastal rowing.

“We’re taking a team of almost 40 rowers to Stranraer and while the scale of the competition is daunting, it’s also really exciting. 

“Stranraer is a special place for the club as it was the first world championships we took part in. We had a brilliant experience in 2019 and we look forward to another great week. ‘Mon the ‘Muthe!”

Topher Dawson of Scottish Coastal Rowing, said:  “The St Ayles skiff movement began in Scotland 15 years ago with the aim of reconnecting communities with their coastal heritage through boat building and rowing. To see it grow into a global phenomenon with the largest-ever gathering taking place in Stranraer is remarkable.

“What makes Stranraer such a perfect venue is the combination of Loch Ryan’s sheltered waters and the town’s exceptional hospitality. The long beach is a perfect place for club gazebos and launching skiffs.”

Beyond the competitive rowing, SkiffieWorlds 2025 will feature a shoreside festival in Agnew Park - with live music, family activities, an artisan market, theatre performances, a wellbeing hub, nature-based activities and circus workshops.