Yoal rowing

Lerwick Boating Club has two racing yoals. “Scarfa” was launched in 1997 and “Siri”, in May 2012. Both were built in Unst by William Mouat, according to traditional methods i.e. clinker built in larch, with 6 planks and 6 oars.

Yoal rowing practice times

The club is always looking for new members to come and join us, so if you would like to give rowing a go then please come along to a practice. We meet at the club (12a Commercial Street, Lerwick) where you will be made very welcome. The practices are held during the week (May – September) at the times detailed below. Contact us if you would like more information.

Men – Tuesdays & Thursdays 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Women – Mondays & Wednesdays 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Veteran Men – Tuesdays & Thursdays 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Veteran Women – Mondays & Wednesdays 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Under 16 Boys – Mondays & Wednesdays 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Under 16 Lasses – Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Under 21 Men – Mondays & Wednesdays 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Under 21 Women – Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Under 12’s – Mondays & Wednesdays 5.00pm – 6.00pm

History of yoal rowing

Yoal rowing races have been held in Shetland for a long time, with the Inter-club trophies for men and women being competed for since the 1950’s. During the 1990’s rowing gained more popularity, with many communities within Shetland, from Unst to Sumburgh, raising money to purchase their own yoals. This resulted in a new body, the Shetland Yoal Rowing Association (SYRA), being formed to agree building and racing rules.

Yoal rowing races

Races of 1000m are held regularly every summer from May through to September. As well as these races, there are longer distance ‘fun’ races. The Round Trondra race is 6 miles long and usually takes place around mid-summer’s longest day in June. Brae to Aith is a 7 miles long race and is usually competed for in the first week of July. It requires a mixed male/female crew. Both races are keenly contested!

Regattas are held at several locations throughout Shetland during the summer months and consist of points races for 8 different categories i.e.

• Under 16 boys
• Under 16 girls
• Under 21 men
• Under 21 women
• Men
• Women
• Veteran men (Over 40)
• Veteran women (Over 40)

There is also an under 12’s mixed team race at most regattas.

Trophies for each category are competed for at each of the regattas, whilst an overall points league is rowed for over the year. For regatta dates, results and league tables visit the www.bigtonrowingclub.co.uk.

Every district has their own team colourways, both for their boat and their rowing shirts. “Scarfa” and “Siri” are painted a rather fetching British Racing Green, with a white waterline. Their interiors are wood varnish.