Gigs gliding across the water... there’s no better sign of summer

There’s no better sign of summer than looking out to the bay on a sunny, calm morning and watching one of Lyme Regis’ several Cornish pilot gig boats gliding across the sparkling water

Cornish pilot gigs – 32 feet long, narrow rowing boats for a crew of six and a coxswain –were originally built as work boats, used to take pilots out to incoming vessels off the Atlantic coast They are also recognised as one of the first shore-based lifeboats that assisted vessels in distress, with rescues dating back as far as the late 17th century

Today, the boats are primarily used for sport

The Cornish Pilot Gig Association was established in 1987 with just six clubs in Cornwall and there is now more than 80, spreading up the coast with many based in Dorset and Bristol

Gig rowing is said to be the fastest growing sport in the South West – and here in Lyme Regis that is no exception

Lyme Regis Gig Club was founded in 2007 and launched its first custom-made wooden gig, Rebel, in 2008 With interest and membership quickly growing, a second wooden boat, Black Ven, was launched just a year later and the third, Tempest, in 2012 – all built by Lyme Regis boat builder Gail McGarva

Alongside the traditional wooden vessels, the club’s fleet is completed with two fibreglass gigs, named Daring and Prospero, a wooden Cornish sea skiff used for training young and novice rowers, named Gale Force – also built by Gail McGar va – and a fibreglass version, named Storm Force

The gig club’s membership continues to go from strength to strength and their success in competitions is growing They are currently encouraging new members, particularly young rowers from the ages of 18-40, and there has never been a more exciting time to join as the club sets out its ambitious plans for the future

Lyme Regis Gig Club recently commissioned its fourth wooden Cornish pilot gig, with club member and boat building instructor Rob Hounslow having started construction at the world-renowned Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy at Monmouth Beach in June

The Town’s new gig is planned to be ready in nine months and will be used specifically as a race boat, in particularly for the 2024 World Pilot Gig Championships, held annually in the Isles of Scilly in early May This year, Lyme Regis’ men ’ s A team were placed 19th out of 160 boats and they hope their new vessel will help them climb the table to a top 10 position

Lyme Regis Gig Club is an inclusive, welcoming and friendly club which aims to bring rowing opportunities to those of all ages and backgrounds Gig rowing is a great way to keep fit, have fun, meet new people and compete in this exciting, fast-paced sport across the region

The club hosts several training sessions each week and enjoys use of a purpose-equipped gym based at The Tunnel Target Sports Centre, near Charmouth

As well as competing in the annual World Championships, members also take part in a busy summer season of regattas across the South West, as well as hosting its own which will this year be held on Saturday, August 12, tying in with Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week

Lyme Regis Gig Club has been well supported by local businesses and Lyme Regis Town Council, and is currently welcoming new sponsors You can sponsor the build of the club’s new boat – anything from a pack of screws upwards – or for more sponsorship opportunities or to take a one-off donation, email supporting@lymeregisgigclub com

You can find more details on Lyme Regis Gig Club and how to join on the website at lymeregisgigclub com