Men, women and children are taking up Celtic longboat rowing

Modern longboats are based on an ancient Celtic design and originated in Pembrokeshire in the 1970s.

Since then it has become a rapidly growing sport and spread to north Wales about three years ago.

2003 marks the first season of the new northern league which will be celebrated in the 14 mile Two Castles race from Caernarfon to Beaumaris on 10 May.

Paul Brant, Secretary of Wales Longboat League Cymru (WLLC), said: "I think this is the first time in living memory that such a rowing race is held on the Straits.

They are very safe on choppy seas and can tolerate force six winds Paul Brant, WLLC

"There have been clubs in places like Pwllheli, Aberdaron and Anglesey for the past three years and interest is growing.

"Small regattas have been held in yacht clubs in the area but because of the growth in interest it was decided to set up a league for north Wales."

The Celtic longboat is a four person coxed rowing boat used for racing, training and recreation.

The traditional boat was resurrected in 1978 when remnants of a Celtic boat were found washed up on Ramsey Island in Pembrokeshire.

Since its first outing in a traditional boat race in Solva, the boat has evolved into the modern fibreglass vessel used today.

A single specification boat was designed with a �100,000 Sportlot grant in 1999, and the name Celtic Longboat given as the standard name.

The race is held between Caernarfon and Beaumaris

"They are 24ft long seagoing boats with four rowers and a cox," explains Paul Brant.

"Because they are very high in the water, they are very safe on choppy seas and can tolerate force six winds."

This means they can be used as an introduction to rowing for children as young as 10 as well as adults.

"But the major difference between the traditional boats and the conventional boats is that the rowers' seats don't move," added Mr Brant.

Members of the Welsh league already compete in races in the Irish sea, Cannes and London's Great River Race on the Thames.

And interest in the boats has spread to Scotland too, Mr Brant said.

North Wales clubs based in Pwllheli, Porthmadog, Anglesey, Aberdaron and Aberdyfi will be battling it out in the Menai race, while races will also be held in the individual clubs to determine who is top of the new league.

Later in the year, Celtic rowers will congregate at Llyn Tegid, Bala, where an awareness promoting event will be held.