Ladies from Girvan Coastal Rowing Club sparkled and shone their way in their final rowing event of 2017 when they participated in the December 2017 Illumination Festival of Light.

The event took place in Irvine and included St Ayles skiff racing against other clubs, a row up the Garnock river, a barbecue and a light parade within Irvine Harbour, where illuminated skiffs and rowers lit up the darkness.

The day brought to a close a year of successful rowing for Girvan Coastal rowing club which, in spite of some unfriendly weather, has managed to row two or three times almost every week, either away at regattas or rowing socially or training in and around the harbour at Girvan.

The 2017 season began with a spring training weekend at Loch Ken, followed by a very enjoyable June visit to the Isle of Arran where ‘Creag Ealasaid’ and her crew took part in the Regatta at Lamlash and rowed round Holy Isle.

Girvan crews have participated in several local events, including taking part in a well-organised team building event with Adventure Carrick and Glenapp at Ballantrae, dressed as excise men pursuing smugglers. 

In August, a Girvan team competed in the Ballantrae regatta. 
They took part in the Exciseman’s Chase held by local Carrick Coastal Rowing Club at Maidens. 

In October, a Girvan crew participated in the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association Freshwater Sprints at wild and windy Loch Tummel.

Girvan CRC fundraisers ran successful stalls at Girvan Lifeboat’s Harbour Gala Day and at the Girvan Christmas Street Party.

Members have decided as a club that, in spite of the success of these events, in 2018 we are going to focus on local social rowing, training and on a membership drive to increase club numbers.

Members who enjoy competing and rowing in different locations plan to row at regattas and events with neighbouring clubs.

Taster rowing sessions are always on offer from Girvan Coastal Rowing Club from April throughout the season.

The Club AGM will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 7pm at Girvan Academy. 

Everyone interested in coastal rowing with Girvan CRC is welcome to come along.

E-mail girvan.rowing@btinternet.com for further information or find Girvan Coastal Rowing Club on Facebook.