Stranraer Water Sports 2024 Review: A Year of Waves and Wins

As the tides ebbed and flowed in Loch Ryan, Stranraer Water Sports Association has celebrated a remarkable year packed with activities, achievements, and preparations for even greater things to come in 2025. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and milestones that made 2024 unforgettable.

Rowing Club Highlights

Stranraer Coastal Rowing Club had a year filled with camaraderie and competitive spirit, here's a taster of what made it special:

• Regular Open Sessions: Welcoming new rowers on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, these sessions became a gateway for members of all skill levels to enjoy the sport.
• Competitions and Regattas:
  • Prestwick and Troon Regattas: The club shone with several medals and built stronger bonds with neighbouring teams.
  • Monster of the Loch: A 21-mile challenge on Loch Ness tested endurance and teamwork in equal measure!
  • Emergency Services Regatta: This community favourite saw local services like the Coastguard, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Service go head-to-head, with the Coastguard emerging victorious.
  • Castle to Crane: SCRC proudly represented Stranraer in a 22km race on the Clyde, finishing an impressive 7th in their class.
• Community Engagement: The club hosted taster sessions, supported local schools, and even participated in the Oyster Festival, rowing by moonlight with boats adorned in festive lights.

Sailing Club Adventures

The Loch Ryan Sailing Club embraced the highs and lows of the sailing season, and saw:

• Increased Participation: Regular sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays attracted new members, particularly young sailors keen to learn the ropes.
• Fleet Expansion: Borrowed boats, including Picos and Fusions, added variety and boosted club activities.
• Fun Races: Short, friendly competitions honed skills while keeping things enjoyable.

Youth and Community Programmes

The SWSA’s Kids Club and youth initiatives thrived in 2024:

• Weekly Sessions: Kids Club ran on Tuesday and Thursday late afternoons, and Saturday mornings, offering accessible entry points for children eager to experience water sports.
• Summer Camps: Action-packed multi-day camps included paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and team-building games, with discounts for members.
• Making a Difference: A real highlight of our year was when parents shared heartwarming feedback about the positive impact of Kids Club on children’s confidence and behaviour.

2024 was a year of memorable gatherings:

• Scottish Fin and Foil Championships: A five-day windsurfing festival that brought 79 competitors to Loch Ryan. Highlights included coaching clinics, thrilling races, and the popular 15-mile Marathon.
• Open Day Extravaganza: This June event aligned with Creative Stranraer’s Cycle Festival, offering free opportunities for locals to try paddleboarding, rowing, and sailing.
• Oyster Festival: A community favourite and we enjoyed taking part in this fantastic event, especially being part of the illuminated opening ceremony and even ending up on BBC Countryfile!

Preparations are well underway for Stranraer to host SkiffieWorlds in July 2025. This global event will feature:

• Races Across Age Groups: Categories for men, women, and mixed teams will span all ages, from Under-17 to Over-60, plus a 280+ division (where the rowers' ages must total at least 280 years).
• International Participation: Teams from Canada, America, and Australia have already confirmed attendance, alongside strong representation from the UK and Europe.
• Shore-Side Festival: Live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and street food stalls will ensure the event appeals to everyone.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The event will require substantial local support. Members are encouraged to get involved in roles ranging from marshalling to entertainment coordination.

A major milestone for SWSA was the approval and funding of the Water Sports Hub, with construction set to begin in January 2025. Key features of the new Hub includes:

• Expanded Boat Compound: Doubling in size with improved access and storage facilities.
• Offshore Enhancements: Permanent rowing lanes and the removal of underwater obstacles for safer navigation.
• Community Impact: This development aims to make watersports more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

From instructors to event coordinators, volunteers are the backbone of SWSA. Their dedication ensured the success of activities, events, and future plans. Special recognition goes to retiring members and new faces stepping up to support the community.

With SkiffieWorlds 2025, the Fin and Foil Championships, and the new Water Sports Hub on the horizon, the coming year promises to be a landmark one for SWSA. As always, community participation will be key. Whether it’s rowing, sailing, or volunteering, there’s a place for everyone in Stranraer’s water sports family.