The Skeet: The World Tin Bath Championships

Our Island
Aug 31, 2018 · 2 min read

September is a busy month on our Island and with so many festivals happening each weekend we know that it can be hard to keep track! There’s music, theatre, film, culture and sports (and that’s not everything!). Year of Our Island has been speaking with some of the organisers of upcoming events to give you some idea of what to expect.

For many on our Island, the World Tin Bath Championships is an institution. Daring athletes traverse the cool waters of Castletown harbour in an attempt be crowned the champion (and hope that they won’t get too wet whilst doing it). Now in its 47th year the championship is back in Castletown on 1st September and we spoke with the event’s organisers — The Castletown Ale Drinkers’ Society — to find out what attendees and competitors can look forward to.

For those who don’t already know, what are the World Tin Bath Championships?

Castletown Ale Drinkers Society “The World Tin Bath Championships are a series of events where competitors race up and down Castletown harbour in tin baths. The competition is split into heats and the winner of each heat progresses to the final. The champion is the first one to cross the finish line, or if no one manages that, the competitor who makes it the furthest.”

It’s not just tin bath races though is it?

CADS: “No, there are also snake races, which are six inner tubes strung together and teams of six people then race these to the steps of the The Glue Pot pub. We also have our Man Powered Flight event where competitors attempt to fly around Castle Rushen in homemade ‘flying machines’!”

Who can enter the events?

CADS: “Anyone can enter, but unfortunately our applications for this year’s championship have closed. However you can still take part in our zip wire challenge, we just ask that entrants can swim at least 45 meters (50 yards)”

What can attendees expect?

CADS: “It’s a family event and we’ll be entertaining the crowds through the races and various catwalk stunts, so attendees can expect a fun afternoon out with lots of thrills and spills!”

Where can people find out more?

CADS: “People can find out more by going to our website worldtinbath.com or by going to our Facebook page ‘World Tin Bath Championships’.

For more information about September’s celebration of festivals or to find out more about you can get involved in Year of Our Island, go to ourisland.im, email ourisland@gov.im or call 687007.

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