Seil Coastal Rowing

Selkie accompanied three kayakers on part of the launch of the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail on Monday 21 July. It was also one of ten satellites of the Commonwealth Flotilla converging on Glasgow for the Games.

The first crew met Rob and two Stramash kayakers off Goat Island (Eilean Duin) and accompanied them back to HQ, where there was a picnic lunch and a crew change for the rowers. The second crew went down beyond Degnish Point, then waved off the kayakers to Arduaine before returning to HQ via a quick sunbathe at Port na Morachd.

The Mid Argyll skiff and the Kyles skiff were joining the next members of the kayak relay, before all the flotillas assemble at Greenock at the end of the week.

There is no rowing in the Commonwealth Games. Having been disappointed by not being allowed to row up the Clyde through Glasgow as part of the flotilla (health & safety etc), at least we could join in a small part of the Commonwealth Games in our own waters.

See: http://flotilla2014.org.uk/argyll-sea-kayak-trail.php

This was filmed by Alec Jordan at the Loch Vennacher (Trossachs) freshwater sprints in October 2013. A battle for the line in the 2km race – Selkie, Pittenweem and Catterline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAGozMuxQBo&feature=youtu.be

This lusty song received it’s World Premiere at the Ceilidh following the Seil Skiff Regatta from Seil Sound, the island’s community choir.

Loads of people (well, one) have asked for the words, so here is a link. Enjoy! [Sing to the tune of the Eton Boating Song].

Seil boating song – words for web

And here is a recording of the song, kindly recorded by Anna from Seafari:

http://youtu.be/lAIj6ul4muM

The Race Plan for Seil’s gathering of skiffs was to be a two leg race around the Island. Skiffs from Carrick, Pittenweem, Isle of Mull, Mid-Argyll and Isle of Luing joined us for the weekend. Luing also brought along their second boat, a renovated Fair Isle skiff, Virda.

Leg one of the race was delayed because of haar at Ellanabeich – the skiffs eventually set off in a ‘long line of everybody’ (W. Pooh), to catch the tidal gate at Cuan, sandwiched between two safety boats. Essential equipment for coxes – handheld compasses and a GPS! The sun eventually broke through at the north end of Torsa and it was a scorcher.

The race was then shortened and adapted to a multi-lane start from the planned processional time trial and a new start line set up. The race, over 3.8 km instead of 8.8 km from Ellanabeich, was narrowly won by Isle of Mull, from Isle of Luing, Pittenweem, Isle of Seil and Carrick. The timing device malfunctioned unfortunately. Mid Argyll joined us at Cuan, with a scratch crew.

Lunch at Hunter’s Quay and a crew change for some clubs for the afternoon’s racing. The race officer, Dr George, had a medical emergency to deal with shoreside – one of the Seil crew had to visit A&E – all is well. Meanwhile, the skiffs had a gentle row up to Clachan Bridge to inspect the lack of water beneath it.

Leg 2 reversed the morning’s row – as one of the visiting crews said: “We didn’t see the island on the way because of the fog so it dosn’t matter going back the same way!” Over 8.5 km the race was won by Isle of Mull (52.40) from Seil (53.45), Luing (55.32), Pittenweem (57.46), Mid Argyll (58.36), Luing 2 (59.12) and Carrick (63.50).

A BBQ and ceilidh rounded off the day. We cleared over £600 which is to be ring-fenced to help with travel expenses for regattas – until now, individuals have paid their own (and Selkie’s) way.

Sunday saw a more gentle cruise in company around Easdale Island in choppier conditions than Saturday’s mirror calm before folk headed off home and Seil’s third crew rowed Selkie back through the Cuan to HQ.

The overall results are below. Luing have been in the water for a whole week and Mull only since March – both, obviously, forces to contend with!

We now have six St Ayles skiffs coming to our regatta on 31 May – Isle of Mull, Isle of Luing, Pittenweem, Mid-Argyll, Carrick and ourselves. Luing are also bringing their Fair Isle skiff (six oars) so it looks like being a good spectacle! Weather permitting, we will row ANTIclockwise around Seil.

The start has now been amended to 1100 off the Old Pier at Ellenabeich, for operational reasons!

The tide under the Clachan Bridge at the start of the second leg will be very low, around 1500, so crews should be prepared to abandon ship to portage the skiffs across the kelp into Seil Sound. Volunteers (very) welcome at the T&T!!

Seil Sound (the choir) are rehearsing their Seil Boating Song ready for the ceilidh on Saturday night. Have you got your party-pieces ready?!!

NB Two rowers from Anstruther looking for a row. Can anyone help?

Glorious weather for being out and about on the waters around Seil. Here are a couple of photographs taken on Good Friday, on an evening trip round to Puilladobhran.

PS Don’t forget the Open Afternoon on Saturday – Try a Row!

The Notice of Race for the 2014 Regatta, BBQ and Ceildih, has now been published. See the tab above – Seil Skiff Regatta.

Everybody welcome!