Last updated: 14/08/2012
Introduction
The Celtic Challenge is the World's Longest true rowing race where teams race from Arklow in County Wicklow, Ireland to Aberystwyth on the Welsh coast, a distance of about 90 nautical miles. Celtic and Pembrokeshire longboats take part (and occasionally other similar boats also join in) – each boat is about 24 feet (8m) long and has 4 fixed seats and one cox. Each team doing the Celtic Challenge consists of 12 people who take it in turns to row, spending the time in between on a support boat. A small inflatable is generally used to transfer people between the support boat and the rowing boat. How often teams swap rowers and how people are utilised is all part of the tactics of the race.
The race is an extreme test of endurance and generally takes between 15 and 24 hours, depending on the weather. The race usually starts in the afternoon with all the teams rowing throughout the night and sometimes arriving in Aberystwyth very early in the morning! The race happens every 2 years and will next take place on the weekend of 30th April-3rd May, with the exact race window depending on weather.
In late July 2011, the organising committee resolved to hold one more challenge under the present race leadership. That doesn't necessarily mean that 2012 will be the last challenge though and there have been additional bodies added to the group to try and help secure the race's future. Celtic Challenge 2012 will take place somewhere in the weather window of 4th-7th May 2012.
Expressions of Interest
To start the ball rolling, please make expressions of interest in the 2012 Challenge by e-mail to info@celtic-challenge.org.uk
Please include club name, boat type, crew type (ladies, mens, mixed, misc) and name of support boat if known. Alternatively download and complete a registration form (see below). We're expecting a lot of interest this time, so would like initial expressions by the end of August and full details by December.
Official Documents
| Document | Download |
| An invitation to all rowing clubs |   |
| 2012 registration form | |
| Race rules | |
| Safety Equipment Summary | |
| Entry form | |
| RIB form | |
| Support vessel form | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the specification for support boats?
Support boats must be at least 10m in length. There must be capacity for all rowers and RIB crew to evacuate to the support boat in an emergency. Where getting one big (e.g. 38ft) boat has proved a problem in the past, some crews have opted to have 2 smaller (e.g. 32ft) boats supporting. Please contact us with any specific queries about support boats.
Photo Stream
2010 Results
Click here for results of the 2010 event.
Click here for details of who won the various trophies in 2010.
Contact Us
Tel: 01970 615308
Mob: 07900 953226
E-mail:
info@celtic-challenge.org.uk
Postal address:
Celtic Challenge 2012
20 Rhoshendre
Waunfawr
Aberystwyth
SY23 3PT