Coastal Rowing

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At RGYC we are very fortunate to have two St Ayles Skiffs which we use for both competing and social rows; Spirit of Ashton and Angela of Ashton. 

Benefits of Coastal Rowing

Coastal rowing offers a wide range of benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, and community connection. It is an inclusive, low-impact activity suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Rowing engages approximately 86% of the body’s muscles, including legs, core, back, arms, and shoulders, making it a highly efficient total-body exercise.

Social Rowing

Members enjoy the social aspect of rowing as they row around the bay, across to Dunoon and Kilcreggan for longer rows and this year we took the skiffs to Largs for a row around Cumbrae.

Regattas

Through participation in many regattas we meet other rowers from near and far. We compete in a range of age categories, both locally and also in the World Championships, which took place in Stranraer.

Sponsorship

We have been very fortunate to once again receive sponsorship from BEE Kip who funded our kit for the World Championships and made a donation towards a fabulous gazebo.

 

We are also grateful to James Watt Dock Marina who support us in our renovation projects. Click on the links below to visit our sponsors:

You can follow us on Facebook by clicking on the image below:

If you are an adult of any age, interested in Coastal Rowing contact us by email: rgyccoastalrowing@gmail.com

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THE SKIFF NEWSLETTER
(7th September 2026)

RGYC Coastal Rowing Claims 2nd Overall in Perfect, Sun-Drenched Col-Glen Regatta
The Royal Gourock Yacht Club (RGYC) Coastal Rowing section enjoyed a highly successful day on the water on Saturday 29th August, securing a fantastic 2nd place finish overall at the regatta hosted by the Col-Glen Boat Club at Colintraive. It was close racing, particularly between ourselves, Col-Glen and Tighnabruich with Col-Glen taking first place overall, just two points in front of us.

Mixed crew – 1st
Males – 3rd
Females -2nd
Veterans – 3rd

While August weather on the west coast can often keep rowers on their toes, Saturday delivered nothing short of spectacular, glorious conditions. Teams arrived to find the Kyles of Bute completely still, calm, and bathed in bright sunshine—offering the kind of picture-perfect, glass-like water that every coastal rower dreams of. The flat surface and lack of wind made for exceptionally fast, smooth, and hard-fought racing. RGYC crews put in superb, consistent performances across all the categories, pulling hard on the oars to secure enough points to lift the overall runner-up spot against a highly competitive regional fleet.

Beyond the success on the water, the day was defined by the incredible hospitality shown by our hosts. Once the racing was done, rowers and spectators alike were treated to a sensational BBQ and an amazing spread of home baking, which was eagerly devoured by the hungry crews.

With the Argyll hills providing a stunning backdrop under clear blue skies, it was a perfect showcase of Scottish coastal rowing spirit at its absolute best. A massive thank you goes to Col-Glen Boat Club for organising such a seamless, memorable event and feeding us so well, and to all the RGYC rowers who travelled and made the club proud!

Keen to get out on the water yourself? The RGYC Coastal Rowing section is always welcoming new members. Visit rgyc.org.uk/coastal-rowing to find out how you can join a session.

Linda Wilson
Justine Campbell
Coastal Rowing Co-Convenors