ROWING AT CHICHESTER YACHT CLUB
We are a friendly and welcoming 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
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.
KEV Coastal Double Scull
Our double sliding seat scull boat facilitates dedicated 1-1 instruction and independent excursions for more experienced scullers. This boat is being replaced with a new RS Boats Yole coastal double scull.
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 16,00 to 18.00 October - 2026 to March - 2027
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, men’s (called open in rowing) and mixed teams and are always looking for new crews to join our competition squads. We are particularly keen to expand all the teams as the competition is continually improving. If your interested, please contact the rowing committee (details below).
Our crews regularly take part in the following competitions in Cygnet:
- Round the Island Race from Northney and back
- 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 a 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 4 races held over autumn, winter, and spring at the following locations:
- Chichester Yacht Club
- Dell Quay Sailing Club
- Itchenor Sailing Club
- Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club
- Emsworth Sailing Club
- Coastal Rowing Academy Club, Northney
NEW FOR 2026/7
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.
Round the Isle of Wight Marathon Plans are underway for this epic row, a local marathon.
Rowing Across the UK Trips with the Welsh Rowing Association and other regattas in England and Wales 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
Rowing Secretary TBA
Captain Sliding Seat TBA
Captain Social Rowing - Piers Rowlandson
Training and Row fit - Katie Jarvis
New Rowers/Tasters, Social Secretary - Lindsey Parslow
Coxes Support & Development - Kathy Harrison
Kit & Branding - Louise Curry
