Celtic Challenge

What is the Celtic Challenge and how did it come about?

The Celtic Challenge is the Worlds Longest true rowing race, a biannual test of rowing endurance where long boat teams race from Arklow in County Wicklow, Ireland to Aberystwyth on the Welsh Coast, approximately 90 Nautical Miles, coast to coast.
 

The Celtic Challenge started as a race in 1993 but the original idea to row across the Irish Sea came about in 1989 when members of the Aberystwyth lifeboat crew formed the Aberystwyth Rowing Club. The rowing club did a sponsored row from Arklow to Aberystwyth to raise money for the Bronglais Hospital scanner appeal. In 1991, they did it again as a fundraiser for the lifeboat. As a result of these two crossings, there was lots of interest in the event and people began to say, wouldn't it be great to have a race. There was lots of Irish interest too, the first race was held in 1993 with six boats - two Irish and four Welsh.

Why does the race start in Arklow?

In 1989, originally the thought was to row from Rosslare but because of the distance and the way the tides funnel into the St George's Channel and the Irish Sea, the currents are very strong. It's better to row against weaker currents. The port of Arklow in County Wicklow is a distance of 83/84 miles N.W. of Aberystwyth. Arklow also had strong links with Aberystwyth as in the 19th century sailing vessels from the port brought cargos into Aberystwyth.

How many times, has the race been rowed?

The race takes place every two years and has been held in 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999. The race was cancelled in 2001 due to foot and mouth but went ahead in 2002 instead. In 2004, the weather window closed and it was deemed unsafe for the race to go ahead.  In 2006, 14 boats signed up for the race, including four Irish teams and teams from all over Wales. The Next race will be in 2008.

Who can take part?

There are three categories of teams, made up of twelve participants - men, ladies, and mixed (6 men and 6 women).

This is an endurance race and not for the faint hearted, but anyone Male or Female with rowing experience of a year or more can take part.

During the race, there are four rowers and a coxswain who will row between 1hr-1.5hr before changing over. How they utilise their twelve members is entirely up to the team. Each rowing boat also has a support vessel and a RIB (rigid inflatable boat).

What has been the quickest crossing?

The fastest longboat ever to cross was the Aberystwyth Men’s who did so in just under, 15 hrs.

The slowest crossing was made in 1993 when a ladies team from Aberporth took 26 hrs. The weather was atrocious that year but they were determined not to give up. Sheer determination kept them going.

 Celtic Challenge 2008

We have been fortunate for this event to be helped by CELTIC DIVING who are supplying our support vessel Wanderin' Star, her Captain Mark and her crew are very enthusiastic about the event and we look forward to sharing the experience with them.

Please click on the photo or link below to be directed to their website.

   http://www.celticdiving.co.uk/

Our Selected Charity for this Event is the Paul Sartori Foundation

We are raising funds whilst competing in this marathon event for the Paul Sartori Foundation a Local Pembrokeshire Charity

'In 1985 the hospice home Care Service was started with 6 carers. As the years progressed the Foundation expanded the team to include registered nurses. We now employ a home care team of around 40 nurses and carers around Pembrokeshire. They are employed on an as needed basis, dictated by patient demand, to provide palliative care where treatment has switched from cure to relief of symptoms.'

If you would like to help us raise money for this very worthwhile cause please click on the link below and make a donation.

www.justgiving.com/tenbycelticchallenge

Thank you

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The Great River Race

What is the Great River Race and how did it come about?

The “Great River Race” is the premier UK venue for traditionally rowed craft and a favorite event for Celtic Longboats. The race takes place on the river Thames over a 23 mile course starting from Richmond (Ham House) and finishing at Island Gardens / Greenwich.

This race has been in operation on an annual basis for 100 years or more and was originally a race between the ferrymen who rowed wooden boats up and down the Thames carrying passengers for a living.

Who and what can take part?

Any traditional-style, coxed boat, propelled by a minimum of four oars or paddles, without sliding seats or riggers, may take part. Each boat is -handicapped according to its potential performance - so everyone has an equal chance in this 'slowest away first, fastest last' handicap race and, in keeping with Watermen's traditions, every craft must carry a passenger.

What is the winning teams reward?

Every team entered competes for the coveted Challenge Trophy of The Company of Water-men & Lighter-men, although every competitor; that enters, qualifies for a coveted hand-lettered Watermen's certificate.

 How many boats take part?

In recent years as many as 288 boats have taken part, the furthest traveling from Washington DC with other entries from Holland, Germany, Norway, Ireland, England and of course Wales, making it a truly international event.

In 2005 Tenby Sea Rowing Club raised £970.08 for the West Wales Macmillan Cancer Relief Nurses at this single event.

       Displaying Our Sponsors Logo With Pride Before The Race 2007                                     Preparing To Race, Awaiting The Start Signal

                                                                           Guest Of Honour Sting Preparing To Start The Race

   Another Of Our Sponsors Proudly Displayed At The London Eye                     Four Miles To Go, The End Of The Race Is In Sight                                                                  

Other endurance events include:

Cleddau and Menai Straits River Races

 Both these races are held over a 13 mile course and are classed as inland races although conditions and tides can be just as hazardous.

Vogalonga Race.

 This race takes place in Venice in Italy over a 30 Kilometre course where nearly 1000 boats take part with between 2500 and 3000 participants from all over the world.

League Races

 League races take place from early spring to the end of the summer in and around the coasts of Wales with over 20 clubs now in Wales.

Training for all these events and races is a year long process with every opportunity taken to get out on the water.