Our Second Celtic Longboat

Aim

We aim to fund a 2nd Rowing Boat to increase access to the benefits of rowing - active, health, social, team building - for all our members.

We are Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club, founded over 100 years ago. At the first regatta in 1922 there were both sailing and rowing races.  The Club encourages social interaction between groups both on and off the water.  We have members from all backgrounds and ages.  

Why are we crowdfunding?

In October 2023, the club invested in its first rowing boat, a Celtic Longboat - a class that was becoming established in other clubs locally.  From a standing start, with only four members having done any rowing, the Club now has a flourishing rowing section, enthusiastically supported by over 100  members. The boat is used almost every day of the year and has greatly increased participation on the water. Many of the rowers are partners of active sailors or social members, and have not previously been involved in water sports. Quite a proportion are now over 60 and retired. Rowing provides them with fantastic physical exercise, often in a social context.  

Rowing is an excellent activity for all ages as it provides a low-impact, full body workout that builds cardiovascular fitness, strengthens major muscle groups, burns calories, and helps reduce stress. Added to that is the team work, skills and knowledge required to row on the harbour. 

Rowing at the Club has been so successful that there are frequently insufficient spaces for all the rowers to go on the water and so, we are looking to purchase a second Celtic Longboat. 

We are delighted that Sport England have offered us a grant of £7,500 towards the purchase. However, this is on the condition that we crowdfund at least a further £7,500 in match funding. Whilst the Club is able to contribute to the match fund, we are required to demonstrate, through crowdfunding, that there is sufficient support from both members and the community, and that they are prepared to make a donation.

The purchase of a second boat will enable more rowing to take place, encourage more members to have a go and experience the benefits of rowing, at any level they choose. We would be delighted to receive any donation you feel able to make. 

This photo shows Slipper Spirit with Celtic Longboats from two other Clubs in the harbour, demonstrating the popularity of rowing locally.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money raised will contribute towards the purchase of a second rowing boat and launching trolley. Once purchased, rowers will contribute to the annual maintenance, storage and replacement fund through a small participation fee.

 Community impact

Team rowing is very sociable and the boat is regularly transported to other venues for competitions and social activities.  The rowers are keen run events for junior and youth sailors at the Club as a way of introducing them to different activities on the water. 

We are currently in discussion with Lift-Off Emsworth, an initiative working with vulnerable children in danger of becoming permanently excluded from school. ESSC has been asked to provide some sailing/on-water "experiences" and rowing would be such an activity.   

The Club welcomes applications for membership from anyone who would like to join us and discover the skills and confidence that rowing offers.

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How you can play your part

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

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made