We're looking forward to welcoming rowing teams from Annan, Troon, Portpatrick and Wigtown to Stranraer this weekend for The Long Ryan! It's always a special occasion when our neighboring coastal communities come together on Loch Ryan, and this Saturday promises to be no exception.
The Long Ryan makes its return to our waters on Saturday, 26th April, marking the perfect start to what's shaping up to be an exciting season of water sports in Stranraer. If you're not familiar with this unique event, it's a ten nautical mile circumnavigation of Loch Ryan, bringing together coastal rowing skiffs and sailing dinghies for a wonderful day on the water.
Not Your Typical Regatta
What makes The Long Ryan special is that it's not just about who crosses the finish line first. Unlike traditional regattas where speed is everything, this event challenges crews in multiple ways. Teams will be tested on maintaining the straightest possible course around the loch and completing special challenges at various points along the route.
Six skiffs and four dinghies will be taking part, including two boats from our very own Stranraer Coastal Rowing Club. The mix of local pride and friendly rivalry with our visitors should make for an exciting competition!
Just the Beginning
The Long Ryan is just the first ripple in what's going to be a wave of water sports activity in Stranraer this summer. With construction moving along on our new Water Sports Hub, we are preparing the groundwork for even bigger events to come.
July will see thousands of visitors descend on Stranraer for SkiffieWorlds (6th-12th July), the world championship of St Ayles class of coastal rowing. Then in August, we'll host the Fin & Foil Championships, bringing even more excitement to Loch Ryan.
Come Along and Support!
If you're free this Saturday, why not come down to Agnew Park and cheer on the teams? Boats will be launching at 10:00am, and the event provides plenty of great viewing spots around the loch as the crews make their way around.
It's a wonderful opportunity to see our beautiful Loch Ryan being enjoyed exactly as it should be – filled with colourful boats, enthusiastic rowers, and the community spirit that makes Stranraer such a special place for water sports.
Here's to The Long Ryan and the start of what promises to be Stranraer's best water sports season yet!
Want to get involved with water sports in Stranraer? Contact Stranraer Water Sports Association or Stranraer Coastal Rowing Club to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities.