Eight months of building by 20 volunteers culminates with Albany Maritime Foundation launching two new skiffs

The Albany Maritime Foundation launched its newly built St Ayles skiffs at a ceremony on June 20, kicking off a specially convened regatta featuring boats and crew from all over WA. Named Eclipse and Breaksea after the islands in the King George Sound, the launch of the skiffs was the culmination of eight months hard work by a group of 20 volunteers who constructed the boats from scratch. And anyone who wants to see how the boats were made, and have a go, can head to Albany Boatshed on Saturday where there will be a display showcasing the building process and Eclipse will be ready on the beach. The names of the volunteer builders are listed on the underside of one of the Eclipse’s seats. Maritime Foundation skiffs co-ordinator John Gaunt said he hoped Albany residents would come and try the sport. “The skiffs were built for the enjoyment of local people,” he said. “We are really keen for people of all ages and fitness levels to join in the rowing fun. “Wherever these boats have been built, community rowing groups have sprung up and taken to the water. “There are seniors, women’s groups, men’s groups and mixed groups all enjoying the benefits and pleasures of a gentle morning row followed by coffee, morning tea, fun and fellowship.” The project started at the Albany Maritime Festival last year when the volunteers came together and decided to build a boat. The launch evening included a talk from Norm McQuade who spoke about his collection of 20 hand-built model boats representing various sea-going vessels, from ships to dinghies. Also on show were an afternoon tea boat built by local skiff builder Adam Wolfe and a purpose-built US fly fishing drift boat recently completed by Richard Harris, who has led the skiff building team since its first plank was laid in October last year. The regatta featured a variety of crews including teams from Denmark, Augusta and South of Perth Yacht Club. The planned Black Jack Sally Trophy was not contested because of the bad weather. It was last won by Augusta after a race on the Kalgan River in 2024.