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Coastal rowing races find their 'ideal location'

Kirstin McEwan A female rower in a light blue/turquoise top punches the air while the rest of her crew look tired around herKirstin McEwan
Teams from around the world were in Stranraer for the coastal rowing event

The south-west of Scotland has been hailed as the "ideal location" for coastal rowing after hosting a major championships.

Competitors from round the world were in Stranraer to race on Loch Ryan in the SkiffieWorlds which drew to a close on Saturday.

Northern Ireland's Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club successfully defended their title.

Max Berends, who chairs St Ayles Skiff International, said the "whole package" had come together at the Scottish event.

Colin Tennant A number of colourful boats race across Loch Ryan in the south of ScotlandColin Tennant
Racing was disrupted on one day but the action was hectic for the rest of the event

The St Ayles skiff is a 22-foot (6.7m) fixed-seat rowing boat and is usually built by the community that rows it.

The championships take place every three years and were last held in Stranraer in 2019.

"As a blueprint for SkiffieWorlds I'd say Stranraer is the ideal location," said Mr Berends.

"It runs very smoothly, the volunteers and the community are tremendous, and it all comes together to create an event that is ideal.

"Even with the challenging weather at the start of the event, we were able to reschedule easily because of the scale of the water."

Kirstin McEwan A woman with pink sunglasses and a towel on her head to help cope with the heat claps in the middle of a crowdKirstin McEwan
Large crowds gathered to watch the SkiffieWorlds which are part of efforts to promote the area as a water sports venue

Teams travelled from Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa and the Netherlands to compete with teams from across the UK and Ireland.

Wendi Cuffe, trustee of organisers Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA) said: "It's been amazing. I'm in absolute awe that these people have come from so far to fill our beach and to race on Loch Ryan.

"It's been absolutely fantastic."

Kirstin McEwan A woman with grey hair and glasses in a blue T-Shirt and top smiles while eating an ice cream coneKirstin McEwan
After a poor start, the weather was hot and sunny for much of the competition

The SkiffieWorlds is part of wider efforts to promote the area as a water sports destination.

Work has started on a £6.7m hub in Stranraer, which it is hoped can open next summer.

The next major event to be hosted by the SWSA will be the Scottish Fin and Foil Championships from 8 to 10 August.

Kirstin McEwan A huge crowd scene with flags, pipers, drummers and spectatorsKirstin McEwan
The SkiffieWorlds is held once every three years
Pete Robinson Crews with their boats on the shoreline on a sunny day at Loch RyanPete Robinson
The area has been described as an "ideal location" for coastal rowing
Kirstin McEwan A crew in yellow tops ina a yellow, white and blue boat rounds a buoy in slightly choppy watersKirstin McEwan
The competition is estimated to generate millions of pounds for the economy
Kirstin McEwan A bright yellow, white and blue rowing boat with the name Stranraer on the side of itKirstin McEwan
Work has started on a water sports hub in Stranraer