In September last year, we travelled to London to take on the Thames. This year, we ventured even further (490 miles to be exact!) to Inverness, to take on Monster The Loch –  a 21 mile race across Loch Ness, the second largest Loch in Scotland. It’s said that the world’s population (a mere 7.3 billion people) can fit into Loch Ness 15 times! Mind blowing!

Once we’d securely hitched up Uncle Sid (our faithful longboat), we began the long journey from Pembrokeshire and wow, what a beautiful journey it was. The highlands of Scotland were truly a sight to behold.

The 23^rd September 2023 was race day and our intrepid crew were up early. It was a beautiful sunny day and conditions on the Loch were perfect. Fellow rowers from all over the UK, and some from even further afield prepared to row the 21 miles in their boat of choice. The only stipulation was that the vessel must be ‘human powered’. There were Sculls, Gigs, Dragon Boats and even a beautiful ocean rowing boat on the water and we were pleased to see a record number of Celtic Longboats entered.

We were delighted to meet numerous fellow ocean rowers who will also be taking on the might of the Atlantic over the next two years and it was a thrill to exchange tales of our journeys to date.

As we clambered into our boat and paddled to the start line, we were all out to enjoy the experience and take it steady, but that mantra didn’t last long once there were a couple of other boats by our side! 

With a time of 3hrs 36 minutes and 59 seconds, we were the first of ten Celtic long boats to cross the finish line to the soulful sound of bagpipes being played across the loch – what an experience! We loved every minute despite not meeting Nessie….although there were a few unexplained ripples under the water propelling Uncle Sid forward now and then….

Until next time Nessie x