Prince Edward County Represents Canada at SkiffieWorlds in Scotland
Date: July 29, 2025
Prince Edward County made waves on the international stage this summer as the Ayle of Quinte Rowing Club represented Canada at SkiffieWorlds, the World Championship of St. Ayles coastal rowing. Held in Stranraer, Scotland, the event brought together 78 teams from 12 countries across four continents, celebrating both competitive rowing and international camaraderie.
The County sent 14 rowers, competing in nine race classes across multiple age and gender categories. Each race followed a demanding two-kilometre coastal course with a turn halfway, often with as many as 15 boats racing at once, each crewed by four rowers and a cox.
From Working Boats to World Championships
St. Ayles skiffs have deep roots in maritime history. Originally built in the 19th century for fishing and cargo transport, the boats have only been used for organized sport and recreation in the 21st century. According to club organizer George Molyneux, the skiffs are 22 feet long and nearly six feet wide, making them stable and well suited for coastal waters and Lake Ontario.
A unique requirement of the sport is that clubs must build their own boats to compete internationally. The Ayle of Quinte Rowing Club proudly races in skiffs hand-built in Prince Edward County in 2012 and 2013. Mayor Steve Ferguson, a long-time supporter of the club, described the boats as “works of art.”
A Community Send-Off and a National Role
Ahead of the team’s departure, local leaders gathered at Waupoos Marina on July 2 to wish them well, including Mayor Ferguson, MPP Tyler Allsopp, and the County’s new MP Chris Malette. Councillor David Harrison captured the moment best, saying, “This Ward, this County, this Province will represent this Country.”
In the final standings, Ayle of Quinte placed 62nd out of 78 teams—a result that reflected their limited number of race entries rather than performance alone. Preparation was also a challenge. While many European teams train year-round, Canadian rowers face a much shorter season.
“Most clubs in the UK and Europe can row every day of the year,” said Molyneux. “We’re shovelling snow for half of ours.” To compensate, the team trained daily from early June until their departure for Scotland.
More Than Racing
SkiffieWorlds is as much about community as competition. Ages among competitors ranged from 14 to 81, with Canada proudly fielding one of the oldest participants. Club board member Margaret Martin noted that the team, dressed in Canada jackets, was warmly welcomed by Scottish hosts, fellow rowers, and spectators alike.
The hospitality extended further when the Renegade Club of Ayr, Scotland, generously loaned the team a skiff and tent for the week—providing shelter from everything from coastal winds and rain to unexpected summer heat.
One particularly memorable moment came when the BBC selected Canada to represent North America during a photo session featuring all four continents. “There were four American teams,” Molyneux said, “but they chose us.”
Looking Ahead
Back home, the Ayle of Quinte Rowing Club continues to focus on both competitive and recreational rowing, with six days of rowing each week and popular social traditions like the Friday afternoon row that wraps up at Cressy Mustard.
With SkiffieWorlds already on the horizon for 2028, the club hopes the visibility and support shown this year will help secure funding to grow membership and become even more inclusive and multi-generational.
Comments