THE FIRST boat to be completed by Irvine’s new boat-building school took to the water on Saturday.

The skiff, named 'The Vennel’ was launched at the Harbour at 3pm, and many people took the chance to take a trip on the water.

David Mann, director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, performed the ceremonial blessing of the boat before an audience made up of its builders, rowing club members and curious passers-by.

A team of nine apprentices from the newly-established Scottish Boat Building School at the museum put weeks of work into the St Ayles skiff, which was handed over to the newly-formed Irvine Coastal Rowing Club for its maiden voyage.

Anyone who wanted to was given the chance to jump in themselves and take a leisurely trip along the river.

The skiff has been named 'The Vennel’ following a competition involving local primary schools, which was won by Glebe Primary pupil Max Adam from P4. The colours of the boat were chosen by Brooke Martin, also of P4.

The Scottish Boat Building School at the Scottish Maritime Museum was formed earlier this year with the aim of providing learning opportunities to young people from the local area to learn boatbuilding skills, develop their confidence and team working skills and experience.

Martin Hughes, boat building academy manager, said: “It was a really good event. We had great weather and a good turnout with plenty of people getting in the boat and having a go for themselves.

“At one point we rowed past some boys who were throwing stones at the boat, so we told them to come down and try it out. The rowing club definitely ended up with a few more members.” The Vennel will next take to the water as part of the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, when the Queen’s Baton heads to Millport on Tuesday, July 15.

There will be various regattas and other events throughout the summer, with an official naming ceremony to be held for Glebe pupils some time in August.

The Irvine Coastal Rowing Club are currently looking for new members. Contact club secretary Andy Jones at andyjones2208@hotmail.com for membership forms or ask at the museum. The club is open to anyone and full membership is £20 for adults and free to under-16’s.