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The 16th Annual
The Currach
and the
World Cup Regatta  The word currach now describes a particular style of boat, found in Ireland, still in use today. The boats are rowed, and are built by using a tarred or painted canvas stretched over a wooden frame. Historically the currach is a style of boat that dates back into prehistory and was used throughout most of Europe. They were animal hides stretched over a wooden frame, and then smeared with animal fat or tar to help waterproof them. Over time, the tradition of building these boats faded as different materials became available. Even in Ireland, where the boats are still built, their construction has changed into more modern and practical materials. There are boats of the same style of construction still built in Wales and Ireland. These are called coracles. The coracle differ greatly in shape, but the concept of canvas over frame is employed by both. Ireland has preserved the tradition of the currach, and has developed a tradition of competitive rowing in these boats.Every year teams from around Ireland row competitions down to single teams for the Men's and Women's divisions, who then come to the United States and row against American teams, such as Boston, Milwaukee, and New Orleans for the World Cup.  |
