News

Posted: 18 May 2023

Ayr Beach hosted its first ever coastal sculling event on Sunday as the Scotland Rowing Team Beach Sprints Regatta came to South Ayrshire.

The event was delivered by Scottish Rowing with support from South Ayrshire Council and other local partners and formed part of the selection process for athletes seeking selection to both Scotland and Great Britain teams in 2023.

South Ayrshire Council

The conditions on the course were challenging at times throughout the day as a result of the weather, however the 30 competitors from across Scotland and England - many of whom had been taking part in this discipline for the first time - coped admirably and produced many exciting racing moments.

Sarah Happs, from George Heriot’s School and part of the Scottish Rowing Junior Academy programme, was the quickest female athlete on the day and also took away the prize for the leading under 19 athlete.

On the men’s side, there was a tussle at the top between Scotland’s Commonwealth Regatta athletes, Sam Scrimgeour and Gregor Hall. On this occasion ex. flatwater world champion Scrimgeour took the spoils from Hall, who had won the Welsh Rowing Beach Sprint Championships the previous day.

South Ayrshire Council

The fastest under 19 male athlete of the day was James Renn from Tees Rowing Club ahead of Euan Richards from George Heriot’s School.

Full results from both the time trial and side-by-side racing are now available:

Time Trial - Click here

Side-by-Side Racing -  Click here

Scottish Rowing would like to give its thanks to all those who made the event a success:

⁃ To all of the competitors who travelled from across Scotland and England to take part, as well as coaches and supporters who came with them.
⁃ To the local partners, South Ayrshire Council, the Outdoor Partnership, Ayr Sea Cadets and Prestwick Sailing Club for their support with the planning and delivery of the event.
⁃ To Swift Racing (the Rowing Centre UK) and Edinburgh University Boat Club who provided the boats for the day.
⁃ To the many volunteers, including a large group of local young people, who helped to deliver the event.
⁃ To colleagues from British Rowing who advised on the course set-up.

Photos from the event can be found on our Facebook @scottishrowing . Photos courtesy of Gary McLaughlin / South Ayrshire Council, Rebecca Cobb, Amanda Cobb and Lesley Afuakwah.

Scottish Rowing looks forward to seeing everyone back on the beach again soon.