TRAINERAS HAVE A GO! Havant to host Santander's Trainera Superboats
‘Traineras’ Rowing in Hampshire with Santander's Superboats at The Coastal Rowing Academy ►Text & Pictures provided by Mike Gilbert, Coastal Rowing Academy
omething to look forward to in the local Coastal SRowing Scene in Spring 2022 is the arrival of a coastal rowing boat of a very different kind to one we are used to; a 13-oared Spanish Trainera (pronounced ‘trynera’) We are well used to coastal boats of all shapes and sizes in and around Hayling Island and the 3 Harbours - sliding seat singles, doubles and quads; and plenty of fixed seat boats - 20’ long 4-oared St Ayles Skiffs; 22’ Celtic Long Boats; 30’ Solent Galleys and 32’ 6-oared Cornish Pilot Gigs. But a 40’ boat with 13 rowers and a patron (cox) who stands up to steer with a 15’ long oar – that’s something else! So where do these boats originate? Off the north Spanish coast boats were developed to catch sardines or anchovies. They had to be quick to catch the schools of fish and circle them with nets; robust to row in the Bay of Biscay; large enough to take a decent catch and quick enough to be able to return to the port at speed – to sell the goods at the best price. The oarsmen were only paid when the rent for the boat and the fishing net were deducted – so it was in their interest to get a decent catch and take it back into port quickly. Like our Pilot Gigs, the need for rowed fishing boats has diminished, but recreational use took over; now each village and town along the north Spanish coast has a Club and they race – the most famous event being the San Sebastian Championships each September.
Racing is a quite a sight as well, the boats race over a two kilometre course off-shore and around a buoy and back - whatever the weather!
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Now through links with the city of Santander and Navigatio Santander Rowing Club in Spain, Havant Borough Council and Langstone Adventure Rowing are proud to support an exchange for a short loan that will bring a Traineras to Northney Marina, Hayling Island so that we can learn to row and race this craft. When does it arrive, when can I see it and row in it? The boat arrives in March and a welcoming ceremony will be held on Saturday 26th March 2022; at the Coastal Rowing Academy, Northney marina, Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH at from 12 midday. Timetable: • Introduction to Spanish Coastal Rowing by Mike Gilbert Director of the Coastal Rowing Academy • 2pm Arrival of Lady Mayoress of Havant and Consort • Welcome Speech to be given by Lady Mayoress • 3-4pm Short row around Langstone Harbour with Lady Mayoress as passenger • Spanish Wine and refreshments from Cantabria available • Rowing sessions open to the public.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COME AND CELEBRATE You are invited to come along and celebrate the arrival of the Spanish Trainera rowing boat from Navigatio Santander Rowing Club in Spain. To book a rowing session contact: mike@langstonerowing.co.uk Tel: 07767 350512 or drop in at the Coastal Rowing Academy in Northney Marina.
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