CYCs Celtic Longboat, Cygnet, completes the mighty Montford Challenge

Published 10:18 on 2 Apr 2026

CYC Rowing continues to spread its wings across the UK. Last weekend, our Celtic longboat, Cygnet, travelled to Pengwern Boat Club  (Shrewsbury) on the Welsh Borders to enter Welsh Sea Rowings Montford Challenge 2026. 

Montford is the opening race of the Welsh Sea Rowing season and recognised as one of the toughest endurance races out there. It comprises of an 8-mile endurance race upstream against the powerful River Severn and its currents, followed by a downstream sprint the combined racing taking just under three hours.  

Cygnet was one of 25 Celtic Longboats, with a host of Welsh clubs taking part. These ranged from Barry Yacht Club in the south to Aberdyfi in Mid Wales and YnosMon in the North.  Our ladies crew Helen Boarer, Louise Cox, Charlotte Taylor, Tracey Westacott - and their cox, Damian Hamilton, enjoyed mixing with the very best of Celtic Longboat crews who are used to rowing out in the Celtic and Irish Seas. They came a well-earned third in the Ladies category. With many happy memories and some Welsh Hiraeth, our lovely Cygnet has passed yet another racing milestone and put CYC on the map.

Many congratulations to all involved.