Spanish Rowing Team visited the UK in September 2021

Nine members from Navigatio Santander a Trainera rowing club based in Santander enjoyed some
fabulous days rowing in gigs in the uk.
Trainera boats are usually rowed by a crew of 13 and the boats are about 12 metres long (almost
40ft), between 1 and 2 metres wide and weigh between 200-230 kg.
On Saturday the team were hosted by London Cornish Pilot Gig Club at Richmond-on-Thames. The
row along the Thames in glorious sunshine was combined with an obligatory stop at the White Swan
pub for refreshments followed by an exciting end to the day with a race down Eel Pie Island between
Fury and Tormentor. They all enjoyed Coxswains’s Cider back at the clubhouse which had been
ordered from Cornwall specially for them !
On Sunday a visit to Dittons Skiff and Punting Club in Thames Ditton, Surrey was arranged. They took
to Punting very easily and to sculling in traditional skiffs for the first time. A great day was had by all
again in lovely sunshine. A Sunday Roast next door at The Albany pub was enjoyed in the company of
special guest Jock Wishart. Highly regarded in the Trainera rowing community in Northern Spain.
Amongst his many achievements is breaking the Loch Ness rowing record, setting a new English
Channel Record and setting the fastest time for The Great River Race in 2019, all in a Trainera.
On Monday the team were in Langstone Harbour in Hampshire.
An 8 mile row had been organised in 2 Cornish Gigs by Mike Gilbert from The Coastal Rowing
Academy. They started from Northney Marina rowing to Hayling Island Sailing Club to explore the
harbour. It was a good, if tough, row down against the wind and tide, the Spanish crew were
excellent rowers.
A picnic lunch on the beach was enjoyed with freshly baked Cornish Pasties and Spanish vino ! All
arranged by Langstone Cutters Rowing Club member Alison Bents who also acted as translator.
Then a quick run back with tide and wind followed by well earned pints in The Ship Inn with new
friendships made.
Behind the scenes, Mike Gilbert has agreed to a ‘Trainera’ loan next Spring for 2 months, followed by
an excursion to Santander for the race weekend of 23 July 2022.
Navigatio Santander are hosting their first fixed seat International rowing race on 23 July 2022 called
‘Mar de Jubilo’. It will be a 10 mile race in open water along the Bay of Santander. All cornish gigs,
currachs, St Ayles skiffs, celtic longboats and Thames Waterman Cutters are invited to take part.
For further details contact:
Navigatio Santander Club co-ordinator Chepe Saiz: navigatio@navigatio.es
Navigatio Santander Club President: Gabriela Mayans: gmayans@exploringcantabria.com
Mike Gilbert – Coastal Rowing Academy: mike@langstonerowing.co.uk
Alison bents: a.bents@btinternet.com