Findochty Water Sports Club (FWSC) will host the annual Five Harbours Row on Saturday 2 May 2026. Around 25 St Ayles Skiffs and 200 rowers from clubs across Scotland will take part, rowing from Portsoy to Findochty via Sandend, Cullen and Portknockie, with crew changeovers in each harbour.
Now one of the most popular events on the Scottish coastal rowing calendar, participating clubs include Loch Tay, St Andrews, Nairn and North Kessock.
Boats will launch in phases from Portsoy harbour from 8.00am, departing around 9.30am, with arrivals into Cullen from approx. 11.00am onwards (weather dependent). Spectators are encouraged to watch along the coast and at harbours—especially Cullen, Portknockie and Findochty—for a colourful and spectacular display.
The St Ayles Skiff, created in 2009 through the Scottish Fisheries Museum’s Coastal Rowing Project, was designed to be affordable and community-built. The movement has since grown to 350+ skiffs worldwide, reviving coastal heritage, traditional skills and community spirit.
Jule-Ann Drake, FWSC Commodore, hopes the event will be enjoyable for all, on land and sea. FWSC also offers sailing, paddle sports and social events.
All funds raised will support Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance.
For more information: ann.fwsc@gmail.com
