Aberystwyth Rowing Club: The Celtic Challenge
The CELTIC CHALLENGE takes place every two years and starts at Arklow, Co. Wicklow and finishes at Aberystwyth. The boats that take part are Celtic and Pembrokeshire Long Boats with four fixed seats for four rowers and one seat for the Cox. The distance between Arklow and Aberystwyth is approximately 90 miles and the race attracts rowers form Ireland, England, Wales and as far afield as Germany.
The challenge began in 1989, when Alan Blair took a crew from the Aberystwyth Lifeboat over to Ireland as a fundraising project. The first two rows remained as individual fundraising events but other clubs from Ireland and Wales soon became involved. The potential for an international event in which both nerve and strength were put to the most severe test was soon recognised and the Celtic Rowing Challenge was born in 1993
Each boat has a crew of twelve, with four rowing at a time, supported by an inflatable boat which assists in crew changeovers and a lead vessel which will assist with navigation. The race, which is an extreme test of endurance and strength, takes from 15 to 24 hours depending on weather conditions. This year, the race took place on Saturday, 4th May starting from the South beach in Arklow at 2pm. 2002 saw the largest ever field with a total of 14 teams taking part. The organisation of the race is a logistical masterpiece with fantastic support from the fisherman and recreational seaman from both Ireland and Wales and, of course the whole event could not take place without the generous support of Stena Line, Ceredigion County Council and Aberystwyth Town Council. The race was blessed with clear calm conditions which resulted in excellent performances. Click Race Results for a full breakdown
The Aberystwyth Mixed team Finishing in style