kûr´ uck - The traditional “curragh” is also used and is pronounced kûr´uh.
Where did the currach originate?
The currach has been used in Ireland for fishing, transport and rescue for centuries – even thousands of years, according to some records.
So did the Irish really
discover America ?
Legend has it the St. Brendan “the Navigator” crossed the Atlantic and landed in Newfoundland 1,500 years ago – in a currach (his had sails, though).
What is NACA?
The North American Currach Association is the governing body of American currach clubs and their regattas. See a complete list of NACA specifications here.
Are all currachs the same?
No. Each coastal region in Ireland has developed its own style of currachs. NACA boats are modeled after the Naomhóg currach, praised for its exceptional seaworthiness and fine lines.
How long/heavy is the boat?
The NACA-sanctioned boat is no longer than 25 feet long and weighs between 225 and 275 pounds, depending on its width and building materials.
What is the boat made of?
Modern currachs are made of wood and covered in painted canvas.
What is wrong with your oars?
Originally intended to navigate the high seas in addition to skimming up shallow rivers, the oars do not have blades which can get caught in rough water and capsize the boat. Instead, the oars slice through the water and can propel the boat up to incredible speeds (watch our regatta for an example of that!).
How many people row a currach?
All NACA boats have four seats and one to four people row the same boat. Regattas feature women’s races, men’s races and mixed races in varying combinations of one to four.
How long are the races?
Each regatta host offers two courses – one for larger crews and another shorter one for smaller crews. Milwaukee’s short course is about 1-1/2 miles and the long course is about 2 miles. The average race time is 15-20 minutes.
