Celtic Challenge 2010

Eugene Wixted · 30 April 2010, 19:27

This years Celtic Challenge rowing race from Arklow, Ireland to Aberwyswyth, Wales got underway today with the Ladies and Mixed teams starting at 14.00 hrs and the Mens teams at 16.00. ETA Aber 05.00 onwards

Each team of 12 has at least one mothership and a RIB or inflatable for crew transfers. 18 teams taking part so lots of boats in the flotilla heading to Wales.

More details and position updates on http://www.celtic-challenge.org.uk/

willk · 30 April 2010, 19:41

A hard days night. Best of luck to the crews!

Hopefully the bloke who did their website logo isn't in charge of Navigation too

Eugene Wixted · 30 April 2010, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

A hard days night. Best of luck to the crews!

Hopefully the bloke who did their website logo isn't in charge of Navigation too

Could explain why the Arklow Teams won the both the Mens and Ladies titles last time in 2008.

tonymac · 30 April 2010, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

A hard days night. Best of luck to the crews!

Hopefully the bloke who did their website logo isn't in charge of Navigation too

tony t · 30 April 2010, 20:11

hope Aberdovey win this year ...!! one of my mates in the rowing

looks like a rough night hope everyone arrives safe ..might get up early and go out meet the winners if you look on facebook some good video from 2008

Eugene Wixted · 30 April 2010, 20:25

The weather on this side was good for the start this afternoon. It was an impressive sight to see all the boats on the startline. I heard ''Bread of Heaven'' blasting from one of the support boats on the way out of the harbour.

The crews travelled over on the ferry last night and had to head back today to avail of the weather window.

They didn't get a chance to have a few Guinness as in other years.

tony t · 01 May 2010, 07:12

great row by our local boys congratulations to aberdovey rowing mens team
80 plus miles 14 hours 47 mins 50 secs some going that

willk · 01 May 2010, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Wixted

They didn't get a chance to have a few Guinness as in other years.

Your failure to nobble the Welsh has had serious consequences, Eugene.

Well done Wales

Eugene Wixted · 01 May 2010, 09:40

Congrats to Aberdovey on great race.

Well done to Arklow Ladies on retaining the Ladies trophy.

There were some very close finishing times, less than a minute between Courtown and Tenby.

Dissapointing for Borth to have to retire after all the time, effort and training put in to take part in the race.

Hope the remaining crews get to the finish. St. Michaels Rowing Club from Dun Laoghaire are competing in the wooden clinker built East Coast Skiff and would be slower than the grp Celtic Longboat used by most other teams.

Dave P · 02 May 2010, 21:28

Congratulations to all teams,

I was supporting the Caernarfon Mixed team in the RIB, all I can say is what hard work those poor rowers go through. I found it hard enough and I was only driving the RIB and swapping the crews. I think Martha Focker will back me up on that with me as well.
Just a few pics that we took on the way, Bonus was seeing the dolphins on the way back from Aberystwyth on Sat afternoon.

Viper · 02 May 2010, 23:12

A really tough challenge that deserves more coverage than it gets.

We were the support rib for the Aberystwyth mens team 3rd boat home...

The boat with the speaker system was Ocean Venturer the support yacht for the mens team.

Photos are of us returning to Aberystwth with the rest of the team on the rib.

Lets go boating · 03 May 2010, 15:49

i was on the support rib with Dave P for the caernarfon mixed team, it was one hell of an adventure.

(if you can call 20 hours at sea at 4knts in the freezing cold an adventure!!!!)

no seriously we had a good laugh, and well done to all the teams involved

we stayed on board liquid assett of conwy over night, nice to meet you guys too and the caernarfon team rocked

Knot Yet · 03 May 2010, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper

A really tough challenge that deserves more coverage than it gets.

Was just about to ask why the coverage is not greater - looks like it would make a really interesting documentary - must be a really tough row

walruz · 03 May 2010, 17:00

Would pilot gigs with 6 rowers be eligible? I know some folks down here who are looking for something more challenging than the world gig champs short races.

Ian

Eugene Wixted · 03 May 2010, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by walruz

Would pilot gigs with 6 rowers be eligible? I know some folks down here who are looking for something more challenging than the world gig champs short races.

Ian

You could contact the organising committee through the Celtic Challenge site in the OP.

In previous years there were several different types of boat taking part before the adoption of the Celtic Longboat as a standard boat. This year there were 2 Irish East Coast Skiffs in the event.

At first it was an event seen a challenge to complete the crossing and now it seems to be more of a race hence the teams want to use the same type of boat to have an equal chance of line honours.

A Scilly Pilot Gig is currently in build in Arklow and should be completed in time for the next event in 2012 perhaps you could iniatiate a new class for the challenge.

12 team members are allowed to row a coxed boat with 4 oarsmen at any time onboard. I don't know how many team members would be needed for a gig entry. You would also need a large mothership.