Shetland Yoal Rowing Association (SYRA)

History of yoal rowing

Yoal rowing races have been held in Shetland for a long time, with the Inter-club trophies for men and women being competed for since the 1950’s. During the 1990’s rowing gained more popularity, with many communities within Shetland, from Unst to Sumburgh, raising money to purchase their own yoals. This resulted in a new body, the Shetland Yoal Rowing Association (SYRA), being formed to agree boat building and racing rules.

Yoal rowing races

Races of 1000m are held regularly every summer from May through to September. As well as these races, there are longer distance ‘fun’ races. The Round Trondra race is 6 miles long and usually takes place around mid-summer’s longest day in June. Brae to Aith is a 7 miles long race and is usually competed for in the first week of July. It requires a mixed male/female crew. Both races are keenly contested!

Regattas are held at several locations throughout Shetland during the summer months and consist of points races for the 9 different categories, from under 12’s to the veterans (over 40).

For more information on SYRA visit their facebook website