TASMANIA
Living Boat Trust
Location: 3337 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113
About:
Background
The Living Boat Trust in Franklin currently has 3 St Ayles skiffs.
“Imagine” – the first St Ayles skiff in the Southern Hemisphere – was built in 2012 by a group of enthusiastic local women (“Women on Water”). Only one woman had previous boat building experience; however their build was supervised by a very experienced Franklin boat builder. All was achieved in 8 months and funded by a grant from The Huon Valley Health Services Advisory Committee.
Such was the demand for rowing opportunities, that it was decided that a second skiff was needed. “Billie” was built in 2014-15 by a keen group of LBT members again supervised by a skilled boat builder. Funding for the boat kit was sponsored by the Huon Valley Community Bank (Bendigo).
Some competitors in Franklin’s first skiff regatta were inspired by the skiff concept and decided to build a third boat. “Freya” was built in 2016 by a team at the Wooden Boat Centre, just next door, and was subsequently given to the LBT to manage.
Regular skiff rowing
Skiff rowing has proved a very popular activity that caters to a wide range of needs – rowers who want to enjoy a social row on the river, and rowers who prefer a more intense workout. The Living Boat Trust has been represented at all three World Championships as well as local and interstate events.
Women’s only social rowing takes place on Friday mornings – for those new to rowing, as well as those who simply enjoy being on the water together with others. Any woman can turn up and is very welcome to join the group for a row. No experience needed, support and training will be given.
A men’s group rows on Tuesday afternoons, and again any men who would like to join them are more than welcome.
Additional times for crews are continually being added.
The Living Boat Trust is also well know for the Tawe Nunnagah. The Raid is a 10 day trip, whereby both sail and rowing vessels travel from Recherche Bay (in the far south of Tasmania) up the coast to Hobart, in time to join the opening boat parade of the Wooden Boat Festival in early February every second year. Skiff rowers travel from interstate and internationally to participate in this event.
Contacts:
- Mike Hewitt, Rowing contact , michaelhewitt45@bigpond.com
- Peter Laidlaw, President, PtrLaidlaw@hotmail.com
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