Going back in time
History of Rowing at Broughty Ferry
The river Tay has seen organised rowing since 1875 and up to the second half of the last Century 'Broughty Ferry Boating' was a vibrant rowing club on the Tay. This century coastal rowing became once more popular, and the Royal Tay Yacht Club resurrected the famous name Broughty Ferry Boating, to show its commitment to the upsurge in coastal rowing.
The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association was formed in 2010 to encourage boat building, rowing and racing of coastal rowing boats around the Scottish Coastline.
Our first Skiff "Brochty" was launched in 2014 our second skiff "Arthur Nicoll" was launched in 2015. Fiona Shepherd' was launched in the summer of 2024.
With three beautifully hand crafted Skiffs available our membership has grown steadily.
As well as our all year round Social Rowing, Broughty Ferry Rowing takes part in the many regattas held throughout the rowing year. We attend the St Ayles Skiff World Championships, held every three years, and are proud to have a great competitive track record. Past events have left lasting memories, something the Social Rowers, and the Racers can fondly look back on…
St Ayles Skiff World Championship - Skiffie Worlds 2022 Kortgene, The Netherlands 25 June to 2 July 2022
Fourteen adults and five youths, along with Arthur Nicoll our skiff, made up Team Broughty Ferry Boating for the 2022 Skiffie Worlds and travelled to Kortgene in the Netherlands. The event was organised by the Dutch St Ayles Skiff Rowing Association (DARA) and Veerse Meer Services (VMS) who are affiliated to St Ayles Skiff International (SASI)
Kortgene sits directly on the Veerse Meer where the racing took place. The Dutch hospitality was amazing and they even managed to arrange some very warm, sunny weather. Fifty four clubs participated three from England, five from Northern Ireland, one from Canada, three from USA, eighteen from the Netherlands and twenty four from Scotland.
Racing was extremely competitive with races being won or lost within seconds in many cases. We reached the finals in Women 60+, Women 50+, Women 40+, Open Women, Under 26 Men, Under 17 Mixed, Under 19 Mixed and Mixed Open. However, it was GOLD for the Mixed 40+ crew, the Under 17 Men and Under 19 Men with the Over 280 Women gaining a BRONZE.
After a bit of a delay issuing the overall final results Broughty Ferry Boating were fifth equal in the World! A brilliant achievement and superb team effort from such a small pool of rowers and we're super proud of each and everyone!
River Tay - Perth to Wormit Row April 2023
The annual Perth to Wormit Row took place on Saturday 15th April and along with 11 other clubs our skiff, Arthur Nicoll, was on the starting line amidst much excitement and chatter on the shore before launching. The 12 St Ayles Skiffs taking part in this Annual Event were Wormit, Crail, BFB, Ellie, Kinghorn, Loch Tay, Newburgh, Perth, St Andrews, Anstruther and Troon.
Broughty Ferry Boating had eighteen members taking part in this event and for some it was their first club outing! A further three of our members assisted Perth Rowing Club in their boat the Silvery Pearl. The day started at Perth Sailing Club where rowing conditions were perfect with no wind and the sun shining down on us. After a quick look under the Friarton Bridge all skiffs launched and set off about 11.00am.
The first crew enjoyed a pleasant 7-mile row basking in the sunshine and beautiful scenery of the Tay, before a quick crew change at Newburgh. Tea, coffee and cakes were on hand and much appreciated by the crew! A 9-mile row then commenced to Balmerino under the control of Captain Shand who had his crew practicing 360 turns on their way down. On their arrival at Balmerino another crew was ready to jump in and then swiftly set off to Wormit.
It was lovely to see other club members turn up to support the crews. Arriving in Wormit all our hungry rowers were offered an amazing spread of soup, sandwiches, freshly made pancakes and lots of cakes, which was first class and enjoyed in the sunshine. It was so good to see all the clubs getting together and enjoying the day. Arthur Nicol was then rowed back to the Ferry by the final crew where in true Broty style the wind picked up for a slightly choppier home leg!
A truly great day enjoyed by all our rowers and a perfect start to the rowing season. Many thanks to Wormit for hosting the event and organising the sunshine! A special mention to all the Clubs on each stop for their hospitality, great camaraderie between all. 'Personally after a 9 mile row I'm still able to walk today, but a great day and not to be missed next year.' Ken Brechin
Last updated 19:27 on 24 March 2025