The County’s own Ayle of Quinte Rowing Club represented Canada at SkiffieWorlds, the World Championship of the St. Ayles Class of coastal rowing boat, in Stranraer, Scotland in July.

78 teams representing twelve countries and four continents competed. The Ayle of Quinte Rowing Club entered nine classes in a variety of age and gender categories. 

Each race consisted of a two kilometre course with a turn half-way. As many as 15 boats competed at once with four crew and a cox.

Club organizer George Molyneux noted St. Ayle Skiffs have a long history. In the 19th century they served as boats for fishing or transporting cargo from larger offshore ships. Only in the 21st century have they featured for sport and recreation.

“St. Ayle Skiffs are 22 feet long and 5 feet, 8 inches wide,” he notes, “very safe for coastal sea waters and, of course, Lake Ontario.” 

A key element in the new sport is building your own boat, a requirement to join the international coastal rowing group and participate in the Skiffieworlds. The local club uses boats built by hand in the County in 2012 and 2013. “These boats are works of art,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson, who has been a friend to the club for years. 

The Mayor, MPP Tyler Allsopp, and the County’s new MP, Chris Malette were all on hand at the Waupoos Marina July 2 to wish the Club good luck before their departure for Scotland. Councillor David Harrison of North Marysburgh noted proudly, “This Ward, this County, this Province will represent this Country.” 

The team placed 62 out of 78 teams competing. “Their placing reflects the fact that the team only competed in a few race categories,” reported race organizer Cat Thomson. 

“Canada always makes a very acceptable showing at these events and we wanted to maintain and improve our race timings” said Mr. Molyneux. “Most clubs, for example, in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, are able to row every day of the year. Many row on Christmas day and New Year’s Day. We, on the other hand, are shovelling snow and are lucky to have the boats on the water five months. Making up for lost time, to prepare for Scotland we practiced every day since launch in early June.”

SkiffieWorlds is not only about race times. As an international community event, it is about good times. “The youngest competitors were 14, while the oldest was 81  — and on the Canada team!” noted Margaret Martin, speaking for the club’s board of directors. “The team, in their Canada jackets, was warmly welcomed by the Scottish hosts, fellow competitors and the public.” 

The Renegade club in Ayr, Scotland, generously loaned the team a skiff boat and tent for the week. “That offered shelter from the high winds and rain early on, and then later in the week from the unusually hot and sunny days,” said Ms. Martin.

The team felt that being Canadian was special this year. “The BBC had a photo session of the four continents and it was really cool that we represented North America,” said Mr. Molyneux. “I mean, there were four American teams but they chose us!”

The Club is already looking forward to 2028.

Ms. Martin said, “Not only do we participate in competitions, but we also focus on recreational rows six days a week — a popular one being the Friday afternoon row that concludes with a post-row social at nearby Cressy Mustard.”

New members are always welcome. Ms. Martin hoped that the presence of representatives from all levels of government at their send off last month might have potential for the club. 

“We’re hoping that we can approach those supportive government levels for for some funding to to grow the club so that we can be more inclusive and multi-generational.”  

For more information, visit aoqskiffclub.org