FIGHTING fit Troon rowers successfully completed two stamina-sapping challenges.

Nine clubs including two from Northern Ireland took part in the annual Exciseman's Chase organised by hosts Carrick Coastal Rowing Club on September 9.

The Excisemans Chase is a enactment of the past when smugglers landed contraband at the Gas Bay beach below Culzean Castle.

It involves rowing from Maidens Harbour to the Gas Bay and collecting contraband and then returning to the harbour to land the illegal goods. All teams are timed and the winners this year was Skelrick in a time of 34 minutes.

Due to heavy seas the race was shortened and kept within Maidens bay but otherwise followed the same format with crews changing halfway.

Troon Coastal Rowing Club came in equal sixth, in a time of 39 minutes.

The day ended with a Hog roast and other refreshments supplied by the host club.

This was the largest turnout yet for the Exciseman's Chase and apart from the high seas at Gas bay the weather was great and all had an enjoyable day.

Then a week past on Saturday, both skiffs from the Troon club took part in the 13-mile race from Dumbarton Castle to the Finnieston Crane as part of the Clydebuilt Festival at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

Some 76 boats took part including 45 St Ayles Skiffs from all over the UK and also Ireland and Holland.

Troon's skiff Marr Voyager came in fourth in its class in a time of 2 hours 11 minutes.