SkiffieWorlds 2025: Championship Coastal Rowing Returns to Stranraer

Sunday 6 July to Saturday 12 July, 2025
The world’s premier coastal rowing championship is heading back to Scotland’s southwest coast, and it promises to be an unforgettable week of competition, community, and celebration. SkiffieWorlds is the World Championship of the St Ayles Class of coastal rowing boat, and it’s returning to Stranraer in 2025, bringing together the global coastal rowing family for seven days of world-class racing.

A Championship Like No Other

Held on the beautiful waters of Loch Ryan, this global championship sees crews from around the world to compete, connect, and celebrate the unique sport of St Ayles skiff coastal rowing. What makes SkiffieWorlds special isn’t just the high level of competition—it’s the incredible age range and community spirit that defines coastal rowing.
St Ayles skiff racking is renowned for its community focus and wide appeal, and we expect competing rowers to range in age from 16 to over 80 years old! This remarkable span creates a unique atmosphere where generations of athletes compete side by side, each bringing their own experience and passion to the water.

The Racing Format

The championship races follow an exciting format that maximizes both competition and spectacle. Watch crews of all ages compete in 2,000m out-and-back races on a multi-lane course on Loch Ryan. Each skiff will hold 4 rowers and a cox and up to 15 skiffs will be racing at any one time.
This setup creates thrilling racing where tactical decisions matter as much as raw power. The out-and-back format means spectators can see the crews at multiple points during each race, while the multi-lane course allows for direct head-to-head competition that keeps every race exciting until the final stroke.

Live Tracking with Sportvolgen

Experience the championship like never before through our live stream featuring GPS tracking technology that follows each boat in real-time. Watch the races unfold with precise positioning data that shows exactly where each crew is on the course, their speed through the water, and how the tactical battles develop stroke by stroke. This innovative coverage brings you closer to the action than ever before, allowing you to follow your favorite crews and witness the strategic decisions that can make or break a race.

Beyond the Racing

SkiffieWorlds extends far beyond the water, transforming Stranraer into a festival destination. Stranraer’s stunning Agnew Park will be transformed into a bustling hub of activity. From children’s entertainment to street food and an artisan market to live music and dancing, the Skiffie Festival Village promises a festival atmosphere filled with fun and celebration.
This onshore festival creates the perfect complement to the water-based action, ensuring there’s something for everyone whether you’re a hardcore rowing fan or just looking for a great day out with the family.

Following the Action

For sports fans and followers from around the world, SkiffieWorlds offers multiple ways to engage with the competition. The concentrated racing schedule means there’s action throughout each day, while the variety of age categories and crew compositions ensures diverse and unpredictable racing. All to be watched via Sportvolgen.
The championship format builds excitement throughout the week, with preliminary rounds leading to finals that will determine the world champions in multiple categories. Whether you’re following a specific crew, supporting your nation, or just enjoying the spectacle of world-class coastal rowing, there’s no shortage of compelling storylines to track.