Pembrokeshire rowing club opens facility for 2028 Olympics

On Saturday, March 23, Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club opened a Coastal Sculling Facility after it was confirmed Coastal Sculling events would appear at the games for the first time ever.

The Pembrokeshire club has been awarded GB Coastal Sculling Academy status, one of the first five academies of this type in the UK, where athletes will train towards representing Team GB in Los Angeles at Beach Sprints.

Club member Jerry Owen has been part of the GB rowing team four previous times and is training to be selected again this year.

Chair of Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club, Martha Owen said: "Goodwick is a world class facility for coastal sculling.

"GBR Rowing Olympic Pathway Manager Tom Petachis was particularly impressed with what we have to offer... We are so proud that this facility will attract more Olympic standard rowers to our beach."

During the opening day, Pembrokeshire County Councillor Kevin Doolin cut the ribbon and made a speech about the successes of the club, following his role in negotiating the lease for the new rowing facility.

The new Goodwick Facility has been leased from Pembrokeshire County Council after support from local businesses, charities and individuals, and a successful crowdfunding bid. 

The rowing club has also confirmed they will host the Welsh Senior Beach Sprints Championship on May 11 and the Offshore Regatta on May 12 at Goodwick Beach.

Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club was founded in 1997 and in recent years have supported local high school Thunderbolts and the Active4Life programme whilst increasing membership for all ages and abilities.

The club has expanded into the sports of Coastal Sculling and Beach Sprints alongside their much-loved Celtic rowing which remains based at Lower Town Quay, Fishguard.

The rowing club are grateful for the advice and support given by local architect Tomos Kinver, free of charge, and to Colin Barnett for the photos above.