18/10/2026
Loss of the racing skiffs.
It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we share the news of a terrible accident that has resulted in the destruction of two of our club’s racing skiffs, Fingal and St. Maur.
A fire broke out at the location where our racing boats were stored, and the ensuing blaze tragically destroyed both skiffs.
While we are devastated by the loss of our flagship boat, Fingal, the loss of St. Maur cuts even deeper for so many within our club. St. Maur was far more than a racing boat. She was a true labour of love, built by our own club members, funded through the generosity of our members and the countless fundraising efforts that brought her to life. Every part of her carried meaning. From her tiller to the copper nails that held her planks together, she represented the time, skill, dedication and memories of the people who built her, their families, and the wider club community.
To see both boats lost in such circumstances is heartbreaking. We know that many members will feel this loss deeply, and we will take time to remember what these boats meant to us and the countless memories they gave us.
But while this is a dark moment for our club, our resolve has never been stronger.
Plans are already being put in place for next season, and we are determined to move forward together. At this time, it is believed that there was no malicious act involved in the fire, a devastating accident that could have happened at any time.
There is, however, one thing for which we are profoundly thankful: no one was injured, or worse, as a result of the fire. Boats can be rebuilt. Memories can be carried forward. What matters most is that everyone came away safely.
We are also incredibly grateful that no injury came to the owners of the site, and our club is working closely with all parties involved as the cleanup and aftermath of the fire continues.
The road ahead will not be easy, but we have faced challenges before, and we will face this one together.
Like a phoenix, we will once again rise from the ashes.
The boats may be gone, but the spirit that built them remains. The hands that shaped St. Maur, the people who raced Fingal, the families who supported them, and the community that stood behind both boats are still here.
And that is what will carry us forward.
Finally, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out and supported us during this incredibly difficult time, to those directly affected by the fire, to our own members and supporters, and especially to our fellow East Coast Clubs.
The outpouring of support, kindness and solidarity has meant more to us than we can put into words.
We mourn the loss of Fingal and St. Maur. We remember what they meant.
And now, together, we begin again.
fans Cllr. Grainne Maguire Cllr Tom O'Leary - Skerries, Balbriggan & LoughshinnyCouncillor Tony Murphy East Coast Rowing Council East Wall Skiff Rowing Rush Sailing Club Skerries Rowing Club Stella Maris Rowing Club Balbriggan Scouts, 34th/161st Dublin 89th Bremore Scout Group St.Patricks Rowing Club Dalkey Rowing Club St.Michael's Rowing Club - Dún Laoghaire Wicklow Rowing Club Vartry Rowing Club, Wicklow Arklow Rowing Club Balbriggan & District Historical Society Believe Balbriggan Fingal County Council Bray Rowing Club Rowing Ireland Irish Coastal Rowing Federation Grace Boland FG
