SkiffieWorlds 2025 Round-Up: Eskmuthe’s Strongest Ever Showing On The World Stage
Eskmuthe Rowing Club returned from SkiffieWorlds 2025, having delivered its best-ever performance at a World Championships. The club finished 15th in the world, up from 23rd place in 2022, and for the first time in its history, brought home a medal from the biggest event in St Ayles Skiff coastal rowing - held every three years.
Held on Loch Ryan in Stranraer, the five-day regatta saw 79 clubs and more than 700 crews from around the world compete in a celebration of teamwork, tradition and tenacity – and Eskmuthe rose to the occasion in every sense. There were clubs from South Africa, Australia, the United States and Canada, as well as a very strong contingent of Dutch teams, a powerful group of clubs from Northern Ireland, a handful of teams from southern England alongside our Northumberland friends Alnmouth and Craster, and an increasingly large and competitive fleet of boats from around Scotland.
Racing Against the Elements
The week began in dramatic fashion as high winds and frothing waters forced the cancellation of Monday’s racing. To make up for lost time, organisers switched some events to a time trial format, where boats race in heats against the clock. The contrast came later in the week, when scorching heat and heavy, still air tested the endurance of rowers and coxes alike during the final stages of competition.
World Finalists – Where Crews Faced the Best
Eskmuthe reached a record nine finals, with many of its crews racing against the top coastal rowers in the world - with around 70 boats competing in the busiest categories. From seasoned veterans to newly-formed squads, our crews proved they could match pace with the best.
- Under 19 Mixed – 2nd place
A landmark result and the club’s first-ever World Championships medal, earned by our young rowers Rhona, Logan, Adam and Lily (coxed by Gaynor) with grit, focus and a stunning performance in the final.
- Open Women – 6th place
In one of the most competitive categories of the event, Eskmuthe’s top women’s crew - Kari-Ann, Rebecca, Diane and Wendy (and cox Stewart) raced with power through the ranks to secure a top-six global finish.
- 50+ Mixed – 6th place
A commanding performance from a well-balanced crew who were less than 7 seconds off first place in a final where the first 8 boats came over the line in less than 10 seconds. Amazing work by Wendy, David, Pete & Carol, with Gaynor in the cox's seat.
- 50+ Men – 7th place
This crew not only made their final but also set a club record for the fastest-ever 2km time in a World Championships race: 12:10.2 in their heat. George coxed the crew of Andy, David, Pete & Damian.
- Under 19 Men – 8th place
Our first U19 men’s crew at a Worlds proved their potential with a confident top-ten finish - Adam and Logan were in the boat again (as was cox Gaynor), alongside Savva and Finlay.
- 40+ Women – 9th place
Strong and composed under pressure, the crew (Kari-Ann, Rebecca, Carol & Fox, coxed by David) secured a top-ten finish in a hard-fought final - especially brilliant after battling through the toughest conditions of the week in their heat.
- Open Mixed – 12th place
A brilliant achievement in another elite-level field, reaching the final and holding their own among top international crews. Fox, Rebecca, David & Simon were coxed by George in this race.
- Open Men – 13th place
In blistering heat, this crew gave it everything in both heat and final, earning a place among the top global performers. Amie was cox, with a crew of Mike, Josh, Simon & Damien.
- 60+ Women – 14th place
Determined and disciplined, the crew earned their final spot and held firm against tough competition. George, Gaynor, Yasmin & Sandra were coxed by Stewart.
Time Trial Rankings
Several events were converted into time trials due to schedule changes. There was no room for error – just one chance to lay down a time. Eskmuthe crews rose to the challenge and secured some impressive global rankings.
280+ Men – 9th place. A brilliant performance by Dave F (our Alnmouth guest), Richard, Brian & David W won a top 10 finish our of more than 41 boats
Under 40 Women – 11th place - Rhona, Michelle, Diane & Rachel, coxed by Andy.
280+ Mixed – 14th place - Sandra, Richard, Brian & Jane, coxed by Pauline
Under 40 Men – 17th place - Leo, Adam, Stuart & Josh, coxed by Andy
Other strong showings
While these crews didn’t reach finals, their efforts were vital in Eskmuthe’s overall 15th-place finish and demonstrated the club’s strength in depth, with many of these categories featuring 60 or more boats.
40+ Men - 16th place. Cruelly squeezed out of the final by one place, and two seconds - George coxed Mike, Andy, Simon & Bobby.
Under 40 Mixed – 18th place - Diane, Josh, Stuart & Rachel, coxed by Andy.
40+ Mixed – 27th place - Amie, Sarah, Mike and Bobby, coxed by Fox.
60+ Mixed – 27th place - Gaynor, Gavin, Gordon & Yasmin, coxed by Veronica.
60+ Men – 31st place - Brian, Gavin, Gordon & David W, coxed by David
50+ Women – 31st place - Wendy, Fox, Katie & Pauline, coxed by Simon.
Team Spirit On and Off the Water
SkiffieWorlds isn’t just about results – it’s about community, and Eskmuthe showed just how much that matters. Rowers and coxes helped other clubs throughout the week, including Craster, Dunure, Ailsa, and Queensferry. One of Eskmuthe’s junior rowers joined the Firth of Clyde Under 19 Women’s crew and helped them to a 7th-place finish.
In return, we were supported by friends from Alnmouth Community Rowing and Newhaven Coastal Rowing, whose members filled seats in our own boats when needed.
Bringing the Fun – And Stealing the Show
Eskmuthe brought creativity to Daft Duck Day, dressing up the team tent and adding colour and character to the regatta village. And off the water, one of the voices of the event was our very own Fox, who served as a star commentator on the official livestream, sharing her insight and humour with hundreds of rowers on Skiffie Slope in Stranraer and thousands more watching on YouTube around the world.
A Week to Remember
From our first-ever World medal to record-breaking times, eight finals, and a leap up the global rankings, SkiffieWorlds 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment in Eskmuthe Rowing Club’s story. To every rower, cox, supporter, volunteer, partner club and especially to our brilliant boat, Steedie Falconer – thank you. You helped show the world what Eskmuthe is all about.