SEVEN traditional skiffs from around Scotland launched at Maidens recently as Carrick Coastal Rowing Club held their popular annual Exciseman's Chase event.

The 4km course was laid along the rocky Ayrshire coast between Maidens Harbour and Gas House Bay, directly beneath Culzean Castle on Saturday, September 17.

Competitors changed crew and collected their whisky miniature at the halfway stage. Dozens of local people, holiday visitors at Maidens and Sea Cadets cheered the teams from the harbour side.

Henry Anderson and Fergus Forsyth of Carrick CRC were delighted to welcome rowing enthusiasts to their brand-new boat shed, recently constructed by Wm. Hyslop.

Crews travelled from as far west as Dundrum, Northern Ireland and Anstruther on the east coast to attend, while others brought their skiffs from Cumbrae, Largs and Troon to join the host club Carrick CRC on a beautifully sunny, calm late summer's day.

Carrick CRC members provided a delicious banquet of filled rolls, salads, cakes, teas and coffees while members of Maybole Rotary Club manned the barbecue, keeping hungry rowers fed with excellent beefburgers.

Results: 1 – Anstruther – 56.30

2 – Sketrick – 58.03

3 – Firth of Clyde – 1:02.16

4 – Carrick – 1:05.42

5 – Cumbrae – 1:06.28

6 – Troon – 1:06.45

7 – Prestwick – 1:13.16

Organisers would like to thank all CCRC members and friends of the Club for their unstinting help and generosity in making Exciseman's Chase 2016 an unforgettable day at Maidens.

To find out more about coastal rowing with the Carrick club e-mail: carrickcoastal@hotmail.co.uk.