Bures Coracle Regatta
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
The Cleddau coracle is one of the many types that have practically disappeared from existence. There are none in use today, and haven't been since at least the early 1970s, and only a handful of replica coracles exist today, one of which was built thanks to some instructions provided to the Welsh Folk Museum (now St Fagans National Museum of History) in 1977 and resides in their collection. Unlike the Teifi and Tywi, the numbers used for fishing were never more than a handful upstream and downstream of Llawhaden Bridge and fishing had ended by the 1940s.
The local waters were plentiful of fish however, and there are many stories of the poaching that used to take place on the Cleddau. The stories tell of many clashes between coraclers and landowners, resulting in legal action and violent clashes in many cases.
The Cleddau coracle is similar in design to the Teifi, which is not all that surprising as barely 20 miles separates Cilgerran and Llawhaden Bridge. The bow of the boat is flat and square, with a rounded stern that is straighter than the one found on the Teifi. The coracle was constructed with 1 1/2" laths made from sawn ash, with the bow gunwhale differing by the addition of a 1 1/2" square timber. There are 6 longitudinal laths and 8 transverse laths, 2 of which are behind the seat. The seat is quite wide and solid underneath. Canvas was used to cover the coracle and pitch for waterproofing the skin.
The paddle is again similar to that belonging to the Teifi coracle but unusual at the same time. The paddle is long and narrow, with a claw grip handle. Unlike the Teifi paddle, the claw grip is at 90 degrees to the paddle blade (the Teifi claw grip is in the same plane to the paddle shaft).
Some content provided from "Coracles of the World" by kind permission of Sir Peter Badge. Photography credits: Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
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24 July 2024
If you've been following our news, you will know that a new project has started this year with the aim of preserving the craft of coracles and coraclemaking, rated as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Association's Red List, for future generations to enjoy.
24 July 2024
We're looking for volunteers to help with the Five Miles From Home challenge. This may be familiar to you if you read the item in the 2023 Journal from member Gary Fruland, who took part in this international event last summer.
24 July 2024
The Society is sad to share the news of the passing of former committee member, Brian Pearce, aged 92.
24 July 2024
Ironbridge style coracle for sale. Well used but in good condition and watertight. Originally built in 1996, has been re-covered many times. Can be put straight on to the water as is, but may benefit from some light repair/restoration. Offers in region of £200 considered, buyer collects from Cheshire
Please contact Euan Raffel for further information
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
The Carmarthen River Festival is back on Saturday 17th August from 3pm. (Rescheduled from July due to river conditions)
There'll be the ever popular Raft Race, Coracle Races, Rowing Race, Duck Race and FREE Canoe, Kayak & Coracle Taster Sessions.
River demonstrations with plenty of dryside entertainment, cookery demos, FREE funfair rides, children's coracle pool, climbing wall and plenty of stalls selling food, refreshments and ice cream.
Annual coracle regatta and races, plus raft race. Licensed bar and BBQ. Part of Cilgerran Festive Week
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