Be a part of Barry's proud history of rowing (From Barry And District News)

Be a part of Barry's proud history of rowing

THE HISTORY of rowing in Barry goes back to 1892 when the local rowing club was formed. It survived for many years with members rowing at events around the country.

In recent years the club had seen a change in its fortunes, finally closing when the boathouse was demolished this year as part of the landscaping of the Knap Swimming Pool.

Barry Yacht Club has become aware of a renewed demand for rowing in Barry and the Vale.

Following local publicity a number of townspeople came forward to express an interest in forming a new rowing section at the yacht club, where a £500,000 upgrade has provided first class facilities including a workshop and new slipway.

The club has purchased three Pembroke Rowing Longboats which are 22ft overall with a beam of 5ft.

Designed for sea rowing they have taken part in several races across the Irish Sea and proved to be excellent sea boats well suited to the choppy waters of the Bristol Channel.

For the uninitiated the longboat is a four-person coxed rowing boat used for racing training and recreation. They are built from low maintenance fibre glass with carbon composite oars.

The Welsh Longboat Rowing Association League holds regular events around the coast of Wales and a major rowing regatta will be held in Cardiff Bay next March.

Barry Yacht Club will be aiming to hold regular sea rowing events in the channel, plus events in the dock to support the new waterfront development.

There are vacancies for all ages and both sexes with a strong ladies team and youth section. Contact Roger Donkin on 733381.