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 single transverse lath behind the seat - made from plaited willow - provides reinforcement to the boat structure and ensures the base of the coracle is flat.
The Teifi coracle was traditionally covered in animal hide. This was succeeded by flannel in the late 18th century/early 19th century, succeeded by calico. Some experimentation in recent times with man made fabrics such as cordura. The carry strap has also been modernised, using rubber tubing. Fibreglass is also used as a construction material.
The primary usage of the Teifi coracle was for net fishing. Teifi fishermen remain among the few to still hold licences to fish today, though this is restricted to tidal stretches of the river - fishing on other parts of the Teifi came to an end in the 1970s, when the last licenced fisherman stopped due to ill health. In a similar fashion to Tywi coracle netsmen, a net is drawn downstream between two coracles. Rod and line fishing has also taken place in the past.
Other usage of the Teifi coracle includes livestock rescue and sheep washing - photos of the latter exist. Teifi coracleman Bernard Thomas described to Sir Peter Badge that the coraclemen of Llechryd, in times of flood, would rescue livestock that had become stranded by the high waters.
The Teifi coracle is carried over the head rather than on the back or over the shoulder. The strap is positioned across the upper torso and the paddle - which has a claw crafted in to the top of the shaft - hooks under the seat and rests on the shoulder. This distributes the weight of the boat. Nets are carried on top of the coracle.
Well known Teifi coraclemakers include Bernard Thomas and Ronnie Davies. Bernard Thomas famously crossed the English Channel in the 1970s in a Teifi coracle, and the cushion he took with him to sit on during the 14 hour journey is now in the National Coracle Centre in Cenarth. By comparison, the fastest person to swim the English Channel took just under 7 hours.
The river has a long history of races. Until recently a 12-mile long Boxing Day race took place between Llechryd and Cardigan bridges. The most famous event is the annual regatta at Cilgerran, held as part of the annual, week long, Cilgerran River Festival. 2015 celebrates 65 years of the Cilgerran River Festival and coracle regatta, which has only been cancelled less than a handful of times in it's long history due to heavy flooding.
Some content provided from "Coracles of the World" by kind permission of Sir Peter Badge. Photography credits: Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
Missing a credit? Error in our information? Let us know so we can update this
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
Login | Privacy, Terms & Safety | Contact us | Contribute
E&OE. Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is Copyright © 1990 - 2024 The Coracle Society and contributors