atlantic challenge northern ireland
who we are
We are a cross community, cross gender organisation, giving equal prominance to all individuals in our team. We welcome applicants from all corners of Northern Ireland. Our gig Cwch John Kerr is based at Antrim Boat Club on Lough Neagh and travels to regattas and other maritime events in Ireland and further afield.
how it started and ni involvement
In 1986 only the US and France had teams for the inaugural Atlantic Challenge that took place in New York. In 1988 Ireland and Denmark entered the competition and since then more countries have joined every year building Bantry Bay longboats all over the world.
The Northern Ireland gig Harmonie was launched at its home by our Patron, Lady Mary Peters, in 2003 at Antrim Boat Club. In the past the Northern Ireland crew made up almost half of the UK crew at contests. In Finland, 2008, Northern Ireland was granted full status and sent a full crew and Harmonie to the 2010 International Contest in Midland Canada. ACNI has sent a crew to every contest since and have been World Champions in Bantry, 2012 and the home contest in Antrim, 2018.
In 2014 Atlantic Challenge Northern Ireland expanded to having two gigs. The 'Cwch John Kerr' joined the Antrim fleet and again we were joined by Lady Mary Peters to bless the gig as she took to the waters of Lough Neagh.
the gigs
The boats are traditionally built of timber to a very specific plan. Where possible modern synthetic materials are not used. They carry 3 masts and 10 oars and are all within a very exact tolerance of measurement. The international committee have drawn up a well defined set of rules to ensure that all gigs taking part in Atlantic Challenge Contests are built to the plans that were taken from the original gig to make the truest replica possible.
the contest of seamanship
The biennial Atlantic challenge is a contest of seamanship that tests crews abilities to sail and row these versatile longboats in different events and different conditions. These magnificent boats come together with their crews every 2 years for the International Contest of Seamanship.
who can be part of Atlantic challenge?
Anyone can can take part in the Atlantic Challenge programme and experience the fun of working the Northern Ireland gig 'Cwch John Kerr’, under sail and oar.
Don’t let lack of experience stop you from getting involved. One of our aims is to introduce complete novices to the sea. Discover your inner strengths and become part of a successful team.
