The Dumbarton Castle Society


Dumbarton Castle Boat Race
Castle to Crane is the biggest open water rowing race to be held in Scotland. 13 miles of fierce racing from Dumbarton Castle to the Finnieston Crane in the heart of Glasgow. This year the event was held on Saturday, 21 September and, as in the previous two years of this event, the entrants started the row to Finnieston Crane from the Sandpoint slipway near to Dumbarton Castle.
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In total, 75 boats took part in the 13 mile challenge from Dumbarton Castle to the Finniston Crane. Vessels ranged from the massive eight oared Birlinn “Orcuan” down to the delicate coxed double sculls. One of those double sculls, “Georgie Rose” of Broughty Ferry won the “Bonniest Boat” prize, while the prize for double scull, as adjusted for age and gender, was won by a ladies crew from North Berwick rowing a Teifi Skiff “Flossie”.
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St Ayles club of Anstruther proved their heritage and hard work. “Fresh” from their St Ayles win at the Great River Race, all three of the Anstruther St Ayles skiffs won at Castle to Crane in each of their categories, Mens Open, Womens Open and Women 50+. Anstruther is where the St Ayles Skiff started, with the design being commissioned from Iain Oughtred by the Scottish Fisheries Museum, based in the town. Orkney retained their Men’s 50 + trophy, and also made their long trip worth while with a win in the Shetland Yoal class. Also rowing a St Ayles, Ullapool won the Youth Trophy.
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Next years event will take place on 05 September 2020.
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