Appin Skiff

Appin Skiff Coastal Rowing Club was formed from the Appin Skiff Community Group after the skiff was launched in 2022. A launching ceremony was held on the shore at Port Appin, and the skiff was named Nellie G after the late wife of the lead builder.

Since the launch, Nellie G has been out almost every week as we learned how to row as a team and how to run a rowing club. In 2023, Nellie G was rowed over 110 times, and we have 40 members in the club. We have just celebrated our second birthday in February 2024 and look forward to another busy summer of rowing.

Highlights of our first two years include various picnic and social rows, a regatta and barbeque, rowing round the Isle of Seil, racing against skiffs and other rowing boats, an invitation to row on the Isle of Tiree, rowing to Loch Leven for the launch of the Glencoe Skiff. In 2023, we were the fastest St. Ayles skiff to complete Monster the Loch, a rowing race along the length of Loch Ness.

The club continues from strength to strength but we are always happy to welcome new members. For the latest news, follow Appin Skiff on Facebook. We run Try a Row dates throughout the spring and summer, so please get in touch either through email to info@appinskiff.co.uk or Facebook.

Questions? Scroll down to find the answers in our Skiff Frequently Asked Questions.

Skiff FAQ

What is a St. Ayles Skiff?

The St. Ayles skiff was designed by Iain Oughtred and was based on a traditional Faroe Isles skiff. The first one was built in Anstruther and since then 227 boats are registered with the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association with boats also registered in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France and South Africa. Nellie G is boat number 209 and was built here in Port Appin by local community volunteers.

Watch a film made to celebrate ten years of St.Ayles skiffing (with great views of castle Stalker in the opening scene):

What if I don’t know how to row?

Very few of us had rowed before getting into Nellie G. We offer gentle starter rows and maintain a training program so everyone can learn at their own pace. Come along to one of our try a row sessions or if these dates don’t work email membership@appinskiff.co.uk to see what dates you can come along.

What if I can’t swim very well?

We all wear lifejackets in the boat and work very hard on staying in the boat so nothing to worry about there. We carry safety kit on board and have safety training and policies in place to keep things safe.

What if I have limited time?

You can join a row whenever it suits you. We use an app called Spond to manage rows and crews and you can join rows that are listed at a standard and energy level that suits you.

What if I fall in?

We have trained to recover a man overboard and we have also swamped the skiff to test its stability. We found that it is very hard to fall out and also very hard to lean the skiff over far enough to take any water.

Isn’t the weather too much for such a small boat?

We have rowed in some challenging conditions and found that Nellie G is a great sea boat and we always reach our limit long before she does.

How do I join?

Get in contact with Charlotte or Rosie through email to info@appinskiff.co.uk or through Facebook and come and have a go. We have regular rows where we make space for new members and everyone is welcome.  

Where is the skiff based?

We have the boathouse in Port Appin and we alternate between the boathouse and Linnhe Marine depending on tides and weather. Come and say hello if you see us at either location.

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