Celebration of Gig Rowing on the Cornish coast

The Pilot Gig Rowing Clubs of Paignton and Brixham were proud participants at the Newquay County Championships 2024, where the winners were Helford River Gig Club A crew, narrowly beating Fowey A in an exciting and close final. 

Hundreds of spectators lined Newquay harbour to watch as the final took place in a big sea swell. Helford’s women  lead from the start but were closely followed by Fowey A crew all the way. Fowey tried hard but could not get past the leaders.

Newquay Rowing Club were the hosts for the annual Women’s Newquay County Championship, which saw more than 600 rowers from more than 40 gig clubs taking part.

Unlike some of the sports’ new competitions, which have happened this summer, this Championship has taken place since 1980 (when Newquay won). Newquay Rowing Club was integral in keeping gig racing going after World War 2 when interest in gig racing had faded elsewhere.

Gig clubs participating in the two-day event were from the Isle of Scilly to Langstone in Hampshire and Clifton in Bristol.

Gigs are 32 foot long traditionally built open wooden boats rowed by six crew and steered by a coxswain. 

The sport has grown enormously since its revival in the 80’s, there are now eight thousand rowers in 90 clubs spread across the UK, with more in Europe and America.

Nick George from the CPGA said: “It was a really exciting final with the crews being so close for the whole  two gruelling laps of the course, but Helford rowed brilliantly to hold onto the lead. Well done to them and Newquay Rowing Club who, as always, hosted a great event.

Participating clubs were: Clifton, Bridport, Clevedon, Caradon, Padstow, Cattewater, Charlestown, Cotehele, Dart, Swanage, Helford, Coverack, Cadgwith, Devoran, Falmouth, Langston, Yealm, Bude, Ilfracombe, Fowey, Flushing & Mylor, Porlock, Rock, Hayle, Bristol, Teign, Boscastle & Crackington, Exmouth, St Goran, Appledore, Paignton, Salcombe, Barnstaple, Mevagissey, Pendeen, St Agnes (Scilly), St Marys, Truro, Lyme Regis, Mounts Bay, Newquay, Portreath, Porthleven, Looe, Weymouth, Roseland, Crantock, Tresco & Bryher and Brixham.