It has been a busy time for the skiff build team of late however I am pleased to report great progress continues to be made. Towards the end of July the final plank was laid before the outer stem / sternpost were carefully planed prior to being glued into place.
‘Planely’ the best skiff around!
This was then followed by work to apply epoxy filleting to both sides of the hull as well as attaching the bow and stern posts. Hopefully it won’t be long before we see that bow slicing through the waves!
Like proud parents looking on!
In August another milestone was reached as a busy team of volunteers helped with the sanding in preparation for the keel being attached, before faring, more sanding and finally painting. It won’t be long it seems before we will be having our boat turning party!
Smooth operators!
Well done to all involved in the progress made so far. After the boat turning party, I guess we can look forward to the boat completion party, followed by the boat launching party!
As Scotland’s newest coastal rowing club, we were very chuffed to have a chance to take part in the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association (SCRA) cox training course at Ardfern recently.
The weekend was hosted by Craignish Boat Club and the two SCRA cox trainers were Liz Furrie from Broughty Ferry CR and Anne Purcell from Queensferry CR.
In attendance over the two day course were twenty trainee coxswains from four clubs: Craignish, Achnamara, Lorn and the two of us from Moidart. We were the keen rookies; the only ones without a club boat (yet!) and the least experienced rowers. However we were made to feel very welcome and really enjoyed the weekend. Saturday afternoon was classroom theory in the village hall (with plenty of cake and tea) and Sunday morning was coxing practice on the water in two beautiful skiffs: Daisy Bell and the Craignish Comet. The Saturday classroom session began with the skills and responsibilities of the cox, and what important considerations are involved in making the crucial decision of whether or not to launch the boat. We also discussed the role of the responsible person, lifejackets, potential hazards, the essentials of the boat, the boat checklist, the VHF and the most important element – the crew!
The weather on Sunday was warm and dry with a gentle breeze; ideal for practising the skills of boat handling, manoeuvring in tight spaces, buoy turns and backing onto a buoy, hard stops, spins, pontoon arrival and departure and oar deployment.
A very informative and useful weekend: much to learn and practise, lots to think about in terms of what structures and protocols to put in place for our own club.
Everyone we met from the other three clubs were all very friendly and enthusiastic about all things skiff and rowing-related.
It was a real pleasure to have a chance to row these two beautiful skiffs: Achnamara’s “Daisy Bell and the “Craignish Comet”.
Jean giving it some!
Peter the budding cox!
We’re really looking forward to having a chance to put these new rowing and coxing skills to good use very soon. While we’re waiting for our own Moidart skiff to be finished, we’re taking opportunities to get out on the water and get some rowing practice with Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club at Corpach, near Fort William.
