Advancing Rowing at Portchester Sailing Club

Aim

Expand Gig Rowing at Portchester Sailing Club with a new Gig, giving more people the chance to row, train, compete and enjoy getting afloat.

Who are we?

Portchester Sailing Club (PSC) is a thriving, community-focused watersports club situated on the beautiful shores of Portsmouth Harbour. For many years we have provided opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being on the water through sailing, paddlesports, angling and a wide range of social activities.

One of our newest and fastest-growing sections is Gig Rowing. What started as a small group of enthusiastic members with a borrowed gig 'Kelpie' has quickly developed into a vibrant and inclusive community, attracting people from all backgrounds and levels of experience. The popularity of the sport has exceeded all expectations, and demand for places on the water continues to grow.

We obtained our first gig in February 2026 but already have so much interest in it that we need to buy a second gig.

Coastal rowing is a great leveller; it doesn’t matter what background you have or what your responsibilities or worries are on shore. When we are all in the boat together, rowing as one, we are making shared experiences and connections that enrich us all.

Getting on the water in our own Bursledon gig "Giggle" is easy and takes you to the beautiful sites around our historic harbour. We have a castle, boats, iconic architecture and amazing rare and beautiful wildlife to see. It can be just a social outdoor activity or you can get competitive.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Our Goal

We are aiming to raise £14,900 to purchase a second Gig Rowing Boat. We have been very fortunate to receive an offer of £7450 matched funding from the Sport England Movement Fund but this is conditional on raising a further £7450 through Crowdfunder to reach our target, so this is where you can help us.

Having a second boat will allow us to:

• Increase participation and reduce waiting lists.
• Offer more training and coaching opportunities.
• Enable multiple crews to row at the same time.
• Provide greater access to on-the-water activities for club members and the wider community.
• Support the continued growth of our rowing section.
• Introduce more people to the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of being active on the water.

Why Gig Rowing?

Gig rowing is one of the most inclusive watersports available. Unlike many sports, people of different ages, abilities and fitness levels can row together as a team, creating a unique sense of community and belonging. It is also a relatively low cost activity, with only minimal personal equipment needed to participate fully.

The benefits include:

• Improving physical fitness, strength and cardiovascular health.
• Supporting mental wellbeing through outdoor exercise and social interaction.
• Building confidence and resilience.
• Developing teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
• Creating lasting friendships and social connections.
• Providing a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed throughout life.

Gig rowing truly is a sport for everyone, whether you are an experienced athlete or stepping into a boat for the very first time.

Supporting Our Local Community

This project is about much more than buying a boat.

A second gig will help us expand opportunities for local people to get active, improve their wellbeing and connect with others. We want to remove barriers to participation and make watersports more accessible to individuals who may never have considered getting involved before.

We have an expanding range of water based activities that we offer and try to make them accessible to as wide a range of ages and abilities as we can. You can find out more about the sports we offer on our website page "On The Water".

We hold multiple events each year aimed at both members and non-members. We have a fortnightly "Get Afloat Friday"; a family friendly evening for novice and experienced members to get together on the water, members book their places through our club events calendar.  In May each year we host a big open day for our wider community, "Discover Sailing", which is a showcase for the club and is aimed at non-members. 

We are also building links with other local sailing clubs and are taking part in friendly gig rowing competitions throughout the year. There are also opportunities for regional competitions and excursions.

The additional boat will enable us to:

• Welcome more beginners.
• Run community taster sessions and introductory events.
• Encourage participation from women, families and older adults.
• Create opportunities for young people to learn new skills.
• Strengthen community connections through shared experiences on the water.

By supporting this project, you are investing in a healthier, more connected and more active local community.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The costs of buying our second rowing gig are as follows:

• Cost of Gig fully fitted out with hard cover.   £9300
• Concept2 Carbon Oars (Full set with 4 sweep and 2 scull oars). £2100
• Full on-the-water emergency kit and accessories. £500
• Custom launching trolley.   £600
• Double stacker road base, to transport both Gigs by road. £2400

Community impact

Coastal rowing has a powerful and lasting impact on local communities by bringing people of all ages and abilities together through a shared love of the water. It creates opportunities for friendship, teamwork and volunteering, helping to reduce social isolation while improving both physical and mental wellbeing.

It is the women of our club who have led the interest in gig rowing and have galvanised the club into creating a whole new section; many of whom will have originally become members mainly to support their partners or children. Gig rowing has given them a voice and the opportunity to get on the water in their own right, in a safe and fun way, enabling them to build confidence in their own abilities. This season we have started a new group called Women on the Water, which has in no small part come about through women who have got to know others via gig rowing together.

The sport is highly inclusive, welcoming beginners alongside experienced rowers, and provides a supportive environment where confidence and skills can grow. Coastal rowing also strengthens community spirit by encouraging people to get involved in local clubs, events and fundraising, creating stronger social connections and a greater sense of belonging. 

By making the coastline accessible and enjoyable for more people, it inspires healthier, more active lifestyles and helps communities thrive.

How you can help us

There are simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

• Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
• Make a Donation. If you don't want to take up one of the rewards we offer, please consider making a donation and help us reach our target. Use the link at the top of the page. 
• Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
• Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
• Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Every contribution brings us one step closer to securing the funding for our second rowing gig. When we reach £7450 Sport England will match that and add their contribution.

Our Fundraising Activities

Alongside the crowdfunding campaign, we will be working hard to raise funds through a programme of exciting community events, including:

• Sponsored Rowing Challenge
• Boat jumble
• Club Social Events
• Community Fundraising Activities

Funding method

All or nothing – this project will only receive pledges if it reaches its target of £14,900 by 11th October 2026 at 12:00pm