Boats of every kind have hit the water for the summer and this is no less the case for the legendary vessels that come under the purview of the North American Curragh Association.
The Curragh season opened on June 11 in Annapolis, Maryland and continues this weekend, specifically Saturday, July 16, in Pittsburgh, PA.
As it happens, the National Convention of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be taking place in the city at the same time .
Association President Patrick Clark said that with what is the the 39th Annual NACA season there will be ten curragh rowing clubs competing for the 2022 NACA Cup at eight sanctioned regattas.
After Annapolis and Pittsburgh the other regattas are slated for: July 30 - New London, CT; August 13 -Philadelphia, PA; Aug. 20 - Milwaukee, WI; Sept. 1 - Boston, MA; Sept. 17 - Albany, NY and Oct. 1 - Leetsdale, PA.
Regattas, according to the association, consist of six to ten races that include both men's, women's, and combined events. The 4-seat Kerry-style Naomhog curragh is the standard style curragh used by all NACA rowing clubs.
These 25-foot-long boats are used for all races from singles through fours. Curragh races vary in length depending on the number of rowers and regatta site, but are typically between 1 and 3 miles long with one or more turns. Regattas are open to the public and in most cases admission is free.
"Most rowers in the North American Curragh Association hail from Ireland and America, but all are welcome regardless of heritage as long as they are willing to support the culture.! Anyone interested in curragh racing should contact their local club," said a release.
The association uses the spelling "Curragh" as opposed to the spelling "Currach" most often used in Ireland.
For further information on NACA or its member clubs, contact Patrick Clark (clarkp127@gmail.com) or message NACA on its Facebook page.
