Row, row, row your boat!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 15 Aug 2009, 10:24

It is a long time since we had competitive rowing in the Forth but it's set to return. Rowing enthusiasts from Anstruther, Leven, North Berwick and Portobello are all planning to build their own kit boats over the next few months. But there is a slight problem with the Portobello boat - they don't have anywhere to build it. Any suggestions?

This message from Andres, one of the team behind the project, explains the situation:

As you know, I am keen to work with the Fisheries Museum (over in Anstruther) to build and row a traditional Shetland Skiff boat on the Forth (i.e. a long Viking boat). So far there is committment to build 2 boats in North Berwick, 2 in Anstruther, 1 in Leven and 1 in Portobello.

I have the funding and 10 people wanting to get involved in Porty with building and rowing the "Porty boat" suported by the Fisheries Museum boat builder (Alec Jordon) and a local joiner (Nick Savage) from John Street.

Although we are happy to fund the cost of the design and materials for this first boat in Porty, and to put in the hours between Sep and May to build it, we do need a space to build the boat. The aim is to race the boat over the summer. Potentially the boat could be entered to the Caledonian Challenge (rowing from Fort William to Inverness and other events that will help put Porty on the map). The boat will be around 25 ft long and will take 4 oars and a cox.

I wonder if you know anyone with a lock-up or a disused basement or industrial unit here in Porty where we can build the boat. The space needs to be around 26ft long and 10ft wide.

More information about the project and a drawing of the boat can be found here:

Coastal Rowing Leaflet

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 21 Mar 2010, 10:33

The boat builders finally found workshop space at the former Power Station site and I popped in yesterday to see how they were doing. Nick Savage was hard at work, trying to make the most of the daylight hours as they have no electricity supply!

The skiff is coming along nicely and they hope to have it ready in time for the Inaugural St Ayles Skiff Regatta at Anstruther on 29 May. A provisional date for a regatta in Portobello has been set for 24/25 July.

Follow their progress at www.rowporty.org.uk

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 21 Mar 2010, 15:45

Yeah, looking forward to the regatta!

I think they're building this in my old painting studio

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 21 Mar 2010, 16:28

This is what it looked like yesterday.

Lambie · Post by **Lambie** » 26 Apr 2010, 09:30

This looks fantastic. Will the boat be kept at the sailing and kayak club or somewhere we can see it? I'm probably too late but I'd have loved to have been involved in this. If you need a hand give me a shout.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 24 May 2010, 19:45

The 'Ice Breaker', as the boat has been named, will be launched tomorrow on Portobello Beach around 3:30 pm, I believe. Get all the latest news and info, and find out how you can get involved, by visiting the rowporty website:

www.rowporty.org.uk

And this coming Saturday the Porty team will be taking part in their first regatta at Anstruther. Should be a good day out. See you there?

Lambie · Post by **Lambie** » 24 May 2010, 20:46

Best of luck with the launch.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 25 May 2010, 21:30

I went down to see the boat today and ended up in it. My previous rowing experience has been limited to going a couple of times around the island in the pond at Moffat so I'm hardly OxCam material but, I have to say, it was great fun. And hard work. "Stroke!" Andres kept calling. I thought I was having one.

Along with Andres, my fellow crew members for the occasion were his wife Fran, Ali (more at home in a kayak) and Emily and Flossie, who took turns to wear the pirate hat. The traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne over the bow hadn't taken place as no-one wanted to damage the paintwork but I did find an empty bottle of wine in the hull. I can only assume that the contents were inside the crew.

It's a beautiful-looking boat and if you missed today's launch then look out for it over the next couple of days as the team learn how to row before the inaugural regatta on Saturday. And our very own seanie is cox.

Lambie · Post by **Lambie** » 25 May 2010, 22:30

This is excellent. Top work everyone involved.

allaboardtheskylark · Post by **allaboardtheskylark** » 26 May 2010, 17:30

Watch out for the speed cameras Bob.

Great to see this venture going ahead. Can I bring my water skis

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 26 May 2010, 18:15

Got some good shots of the boat today and a brief chat with a couple of the lads. Can't wait for Porty Regatta - am emailing RN pals to tell them about it and try to entice them along/ down/ in. No idea what to expect but that'll be half of the fun. I'll be bringing my life jacket along, no being left on the beach when there's that many boats on the water

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 26 May 2010, 19:37

rapunzell wrote:Can't wait for Porty Regatta

When is it Rapunzell?

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 26 May 2010, 20:37

Was watching over the wall as I hung out the washing.
Noticed the pirate hats!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 26 May 2010, 20:56

Erratum - in my previous post I suggested that the Ice Breaker crew may have consumed a bottle of wine prior to, or in the course of, its maiden voyage. This allegation is entirely without substance and I withdraw it unreservedly.

It was in fact a bottle of rum. Well, what else would pirates drink?

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 26 May 2010, 22:28

Marya wrote:
rapunzell wrote:Can't wait for Porty Regatta

When is it Rapunzell?

24th July I think!

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 27 May 2010, 20:48

The Launch

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 29 May 2010, 23:02

Rejoice!

Over the course of the day the scant time for practice perhaps took its toll, and Portobello managed to only reach one final in the various classes.

But in that final, the very last race of the day (and some might say the blue riband event of the regatta) the mixed open team of Dan, Roisin, Maddy & Nick were triumphant, beating the formidable Port Seton team by the narrowest of margins.

ICE, ICE, BREAKER!

ICE, ICE, BREAKER!

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 30 May 2010, 00:01

seanie wrote:Rejoice!

Over the course of the day the scant time for practice perhaps took its toll, and Portobello managed to only reach one final in the various classes.

But in that final, the very last race of the day (and some might say the blue riband event of the regatta) the mixed open team of Dan, Roisin, Maddy & Nick were triumphant, beating the formidable Port Seton team by the narrowest of margins.

ICE, ICE, BREAKER!

ICE, ICE, BREAKER!

Congratulations!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 May 2010, 08:30

Yeah, well done everyone. It was a great day out. Beautiful sunny day, award-winning fish and chips, free entry to the excellent Fisheries Museum and a great effort from the Porty novices. We left before the end, lured by the prospect of a pint in The Ship at Elie, so missed the final race, but I have some film footage of the regatta which I will put up later today.

Really looking forward to the Portobello Regatta now, which I think will be a fantastic event. With a bit more practice between now and then, and home advantage, the Icebreaker team will surely rule the waves.

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 30 May 2010, 21:49

The triumph.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 31 May 2010, 21:10

I have now re-posted my film of the day's events, though sadly without the ultimate victory, in glorious high definition and widescreen.

Anstruther Regatta 2010

GRANTY · Post by **GRANTY** » 16 Jun 2010, 09:20

Porty’s very own skiff, ‘Icebreaker’ is now a familiar sight on the sea front. If you haven’t seen it yet, pop down and have a look. I

Some of you will be aware that Porty had a thriving rowing past. Myself and Bob J. are trying to gather memories, photos etc to document this, for a local exhibition. This will coincide with a skiff regatta to be held on 24th July.

Do you, or any of your family have any stories you could share with us? Do you know of anyone locally, or who perhaps lives elsewhere now, who was involved in the rowing?

If so, can you point them in our direction, or point me in theirs ? If you PM me, I can follow it up or give me a call on 07986 291 394.

Any help appreciated. Thanx

Ali

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 08 Jul 2010, 12:57

My eyes are boggled from reading the archives...

so can anyone just tell me the exact year the last Portobello Regatta was held? So far I think it was in the 1950s but I'd like details

and

does anyone have one of these in their gardens/ shed/ garage, leftover from the olden days..?

http://forum.talkporty.org/viewtopic.php?t=3421

(second postcard down)

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 08 Jul 2010, 13:34

Bob and GRANTY are the ones to ask Rapunzell. I believe they have been beavering away , researching rowing in Portobello and have amassed quite a bit of information. And, yes, from what I hear two old boats have been offered to the new club ,which hopes to renovate them and put them back into use!

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 08 Jul 2010, 13:49

Marya wrote:Bob and GRANTY are the ones to ask Rapunzell. I believe they have been beavering away , researching rowing in Portobello and have amassed quite a bit of information. And, yes, from what I hear two old boats have been offered to the new club ,which hopes to renovate them and put them back into use!

Yep, I heard they'd been busy! We will hear all the village maritime secrets at the meeting next week hopefully

Its not the boats I'm after, its the wooden launch platforms. I'm thinking of asking Woodwares for a build quote if none can be unearthed

Post by **wangi** » 08 Jul 2010, 14:03

rapunzell wrote:Its not the boats I'm after, its the wooden launch platforms.

I think this is all that is left of them: http://www.pbase.com/wangi/image/35089584

edit: Definitely is one of those landing platforms - the round holes clinch it. Will try and get a side-by-side photo at some point.

L/

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 08 Jul 2010, 14:04

wangi wrote:
rapunzell wrote:Its not the boats I'm after, its the wooden launch platforms.
I think this is all that is left of them: http://www.pbase.com/wangi/image/35089584

L/

* cries *

Gordon Mackenzie · Post by **Gordon Mackenzie** » 22 Jul 2010, 07:31

Does anyone know the timings for the Portobello Regatta on Saturday?

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 22 Jul 2010, 08:49

Gordon Mackenzie wrote:Does anyone know the timings for the Portobello Regatta on Saturday?

From an email

This coming weekend Portobello Sailing & Kayaking Club is proud to be hosting the first rowing regatta to take place in Portobello for many years. This follows the completion of 'Ice Breaker', Portobello's own home-built 5 person racing skiff and the re-establishment of competitive rowing in the Forth

Visiting teams are coming from Achiltibuie, Anstruther, North Berwick, Port Seton and Eyemout.

Racing starts on Saturday at Midday and finishes at 5pm, on Sunday from 10am till 1pm.

Raimes · Post by **Raimes** » 23 Jul 2010, 11:53

Hello to the above poster.

Would you mind sending a bit to me about the Regatta and the new boat to my email address? ( vraimes@scotsman.com ) Would be great to get something in tomorrow's paper.

Also, while I'm at it, if anybody else has any Porty news, I'm always looking to cover the patch.

Thanks for your help,

Victoria Raimes
Edinburgh Evening News

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 23 Jul 2010, 12:50

Get a photographer down Victoria. It's going to be a brilliant event!

Raimes · Post by **Raimes** » 23 Jul 2010, 16:29

I've sorted that out. Check out the news on Monday. Thanks

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 23 Jul 2010, 23:06

Much excitement down on the beach today ahead of tomorrow's big regatta. The Porty teams were out getting in some last-minute practice and they are looking strong and confident. I met up with the Tollcross crew, who have brought over their currach, a very early type of boat from the west coast of Ireland. It seems to be built almost entirely from old scrap material and covered in a tar and bitumen coated canvas. I turned up just as they were about to launch it into salt water for the first time, its only previous excursions being on the Union canal.

The Port Seton crew showed off by rowing their boat to Portobello and hit the beach before the Porty team had even set off to meet them. Hopefully, that will have sapped some of their energy!

Look out for the limited-edition 'Never mind the rollocks, here's rowporty' t-shirts on sale tomorrow and the story booklet produced by Towerbank p4 children.

The forecast is good and it should be a great event. See you there!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 23 Jul 2010, 23:31

And just to remind you, here's Icebreaker - the beautiful skiff built by Portobello people for Portobello people.

photo by Max Blinkhorn

Ice Ice Baby

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 25 Jul 2010, 09:33

Great event yesterday, and racing continuing this morning for those of you still keen for more. There were some very exciting close finishes and the Portobello teams put in some great performances. Full results will be available soon. Competitive coastal rowing in the Forth is back and hopefully this is just the first of many annual regattas in Portobello to look forward to.

Inevitably, there are a few issues still to be ironed out. As a priority, the newly-formed Scottish Coastal Rowing Association needs to agree upon and enforce the specification on what is allowed in terms of oars, rollocks, klabes, pins etc so that everyone is competing on equal terms. And in terms of putting on a regatta as a spectator event there are perhaps a few things that could be improved.

The next big event is the Traditional Boats Muster at North Berwick, which unfortunately clashes with the Big Beach Busk here in Portobello.

Meanwhile, I'm still researching the history of rowing in Portobello. A lot of new (old) material has come to light so there is still a lot of work to do. A talk I gave recently re-acquainted a number of rowers from the original clubs and it was great to see them recognise themselves and old friends in photographs going back in some cases to the 1930s.

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Row, row, row your boat!

Row, row, row your boat!

Porty's rowing past - an exhibition

regatta misc