14/02/2026
MEET THE BOAT BUILDERS
Central to our Isle of Man rowing challenge is the craft behind the oars and no one knows that better than our chief boat builder, Raymond, who led the team in creating our racing boat Ninian.
Unlike our first boat, Breagha, Ninian was built to a very different specification — designed from the outset as a purpose-built racing boat. We wanted to find out what Raymond thought of our rowing challenge and how he approached the build of Ninian.
1. What is your previous experience in building boats and where did it start?
"As a nipper in Dumfries, I was much taken by the wooden rowing boats that a local family hired out on the Nith. (12p an hour!). I spent hours on the river when I could raise the cash. I was also taken to trout lochs all over Scotland by my Dad, serving as the outboard motor for him and his fishing pals."
2. WBCRC’s second skiff Ninian was built with racing in mind, so how did that shape the way you designed and built her?
"For Ninian, the brief was to get the weight down and maintain the strength in the hull, while also keeping within the build rules. We thinned down the seats by about 30%, and the footrests are much lighter than in the three previous builds I've been involved in. The steel keel strip is half the weight of previous boats."
3. Which parts of the build are you most proud of and why do those details matter for a long, demanding row like a double marathon?
"I consulted Topher Dawson (experienced boat builder, rower and chief umpire at SkiffieWorlds) on his design of footrests and modified them somewhat. This was the most challenging part of the whole project and was expertly completed by Chris over many painstaking hours, and the range of adjustment available should help reduce fatigue for the crew."
4. How does this skiff balance speed, stability, and comfort, especially for rowers spending many hours at sea?
"The skiff design is famously stable and seaworthy and great care was taken throughout the build to ensure compliance with standards- but this Isle of Man big trip will certainly test the rowers and the craft and I wish them fair winds and safe home."
Support Ninian and her crew on their double marathon rowing challenge by donating to our GoFundMe page. Thank you!
https://gofund.me/facf65973
