ROWING AT CHICHESTER YACHT CLUB
We are a friendly and welcoming CYC community of all ages, taking part in social and improvement rows, races and regattas. Our rowing programme is designed to suit all levels of commitment and ability, from novices through to competitive rowers. From crisp winter mornings to long summer evenings, we row all year round.
OUR BOATS
KEV Coastal Double Scull
Our double sliding seat scull boat facilitates dedicated 1-1 instruction and independent excursions for more experienced scullers.
BUMBLE Coastal Quad Scull
A four-person coxed sliding seat scull, using two oars per rower. This boat offers the advantages of speed, efficiency, stability and teamwork. Coxes can work with mixed ability crews to gain strength and confidence on the water.
CYGNET Celtic Longboat
This is a coxed fixed seat four-person single oar rowing boat, strong and stable. Cygnet is used for novice training and social rows. We put Cygnet to the test when competing in the 3 Harbours racing programme, endurance and adventure rowing.
ROWING OPPORTUNITIES
Social Rowing - A relaxed row around the harbour, include sessions that are ideal for newcomers, with gentle rowing and informal coaching from coxes and crews. We usually finish with a coffee and a chat in the CYC clubhouse.
Improvement Rowing These rows are for all levels and offer the opportunity to improve your technique, performance and conditioning, while learning from other more experienced rowers.
Adventure Rowing These rows include venturing further into the harbour, longer rows that sometimes include towing the boats to other locations for a change of scenery.
Endurance/Performance Rowing - Performance rows are focused on preparing crews for competition through structured, higher-intensity training. Sessions concentrate on refining technique, building strength, competence, and developing effective crew work. Rowers train to meet race standards, with targeted coaching and on-water drills designed to maximise speed, efficiency ahead of regattas and racing events.
TRAINING AND FITNESS
Row Fit Wednesdays 7.00 8.00pm (September February)
Row Fit is a shore based winter fitness programme designed to improve strength, endurance, and overall conditioning. Using rowing machines and supporting exercises, sessions focus on developing good technique, cardiovascular fitness, and functional strength. Row Fit is suitable for all ages and abilities; it is an excellent way to stay fit and maintain rowing performance.
COXES
Coxes are at the heart of every crew, steering the boat, setting the pace, and keeping rowers motivated and safe. They provide guidance and training for both new and experienced rowers, helping everyone get the most out of every outing. We welcome coxes of all levels to join our team.
REGATTAS, COMPETITIONS AND ROWING LEAGUE
We have strong ladies and mixed teams and are always looking for new crews to join our three competition squads. We are particularly keen to expand our mens team: the core is in place, but we need enthusiastic men to help strengthen our crews. If youre interested, please contact the rowing committee (details below).
Our crews regularly take part in the following competitions in Cygnet:
- Round the Island Race from and to Northney
- Cockleshell Langstone Harbour to No Mans Land Fort and back
- Hamble River Raid mixed crew on the River Hamble
- Tudor Challenge Langstone Harbour
- Great River Race up the Thames on the flood tide
- Head of the Harbour Race starting from Itchenor or Bosham and returning
- Head of the Ouse (HOTO) Race Newhaven to Lewes and back (two crews)
In addition, we participate in a local harbour rowing league for Celtic Long Boats, organised by the 3 Harbours clubs. The league consists of five races held over autumn, winter, and spring at the following locations:
- Chichester YC Celtic Long Boats
- Dell Quay SC
- Itchenor SC
- Emsworth SC
- Northney (CRAC)
NEW FOR 2026
CYC is leading the way in the 3 Harbours rowing community with exciting events ahead!
· Chichester Harbour Challenge Row from Northney to CYC on the flood tide and back on the ebb, featuring Cornish Pilot Gigs, Celtic Long Boats, Bursledon Gigs, and Coastal Quads.
· Round the Isle of Wight Marathon Plans are underway for this epic row, supported by safety boats.
· Rowing Across the UK Trips with the Welsh Rowing Association and other regattas in England are pending.
ROWING KIT
Our much-admired rowing kit and clothing is available from:
Games Set & Match Chichester (https://www.gsam.co.uk)
Stitch Rowing (https://stitchrowing.com)
Team turquoise racing tops/shorts only available from lou.curry.39@gmail.com
COMMITTEE
RC Rowing - Martin Greenfield
Deputy RC Rowing & Race Captain - Peter Lambert
Captain Sliding Seat Caroline Bark
Social Rowing Captain - Piers Rowlandson
Captain of Training - Katie Jarvis
New Rowers/Tasters, Social Secretary - Lindsey Parslow
Coxes Support & Development - Kathy Harrison
Kit & Branding - Louise Curry
