32nd World Pilot Gig Championships 2023

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WECOME TO THE 2023 World Pilot Gig Championships

Welcome

DYLAN JANE WPGC Chairman

This year, I have taken on the mantle of Chairmanship from Kevin Sherris. Kevin has been a stalwart of organising the Championships since its incarnation in 1992, including chairing the event for 12 of those years. Our thanks must go to Kevin for his years of dedication and his guidance, wisdom and support in putting on this year's event.

My thanks must also extend to our committee and the dedicated team of volunteers who really make the Champs what they are and have done for many years. This year embraces change and transition to maintain the success of the WPGC into the future. The new partnership with the CPGA has provided in -

valuable support with the registrations, shipping and administration side of the event. We are also grateful to the Islands’ Partnership for their organisational prowess behind the scenes.

We build on the success of last year's new format, with the additional races for the vets and super vets. This has seen a bumper entry of crews this year, totalling nearly 450. So whether you're racing to win a trophy or not, to all of you who have trained so hard in all weathers, made personal sacrifices and given up precious family time to get here - thank you. Thank you for helping to make this such an incredible weekend. Row well, row hard and enjoy every second.

The WPGC Committee and I would like to welcome everyone to our 32nd Annual World Pilot Gig Championships.

From Sharp’s Brewery

DANIEL FROST Regional On-Trade Manager, Sharp's Brewery

Sharp’s Brewery has long roots in the local gig rowing community, having supported several of its local clubs in recent years as well as providing funding for equipment.

I speak for everyone at Sharp’s Brewery when I say how delighted we are to be a headline sponsor of the World Pilot Gig Championships for the second year via our flagship brand, Doom Bar.

At Sharp's we are hugely proud of our

coastal provenance and our ongoing support of the local community. The Cornish active outdoor lifestyle is very much at the heart of our own personal lifestyles, brands, and products, so we’re really honoured to have been able to extend our support this year to such an iconic event.

We so look forward to attending this epic event on the annual sporting calendar, soaking up the atmosphere and supporting the rowers and coxes.

Proud to support the World Pilot Gig Championships 2023

WELCOME From Isles of Scilly Steamship Group

championships since the beginning, more than three decades ago.

Gig weekend is a massive logistical operation for us. We started transporting gigs to the islands in February, months before the racing actually begins. But we also transport passengers, luggage and record amounts of freight. It’s our busiest weekend of the year.

Iam delighted to welcome the World Pilot Gig Championships back to Scilly for the 32nd year. Spring is a magical time on the islands, isn’t it? The sights and sounds of the crews and their gigs between the islands is one that stays in the memory for a long time after the racing ends.

We at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group are proud to serve the islands as we have done for more than a hundred years. We are also thrilled to have played a part in the

One of the many wonderful things about the event is that senior age groups are catered for as well as “elites”. This adds to the mix and increases the family type atmosphere. Come on Mum!

On behalf of the Company, I would like to wish you all the very best of luck in the event. Go out there and achieve your personal goals and most importantly, have fun.

However you’ve travelled to the islands, on Scillonian III or Skybus, we hope you had a pleasant journey and look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.

Chairman, Isles of Scilly Steamship Group

Venture off-island to Tresco and The New Inn.

Pull up your gig on the beach below and join us for a pint in the Driftwood Bar, hearty dishes offering a Tresco twist on the classics, or soak up the sun and the sea views on the terrace. You’ve earned it!

TRESCO.CO.UK/NEWINN

ready, steady, row.

Whether you participate or spectate, this amazing festival of the sea is going to be hard to miss! Use our trusty companion to help guide you to the best spectator spots, the start and finish line for each race, and understand the fundamentals to scoring! Read on budding rowers.

All you neeD to know...

Raising of the oars!

A true celebration of the competition is signalled by the raising of the oars in St. Mary’s Harbour. This happens after the final race in each category, joining together for a real spectacle.

Score Board

On Holgate’s Green:

• Displays all teams, tracking their movement up and down.

• Indicates the start line for the next race.

• State where crews come in their groups (determines start line for next race).

• Inside know: the higher up in the races, the better the next starting point!

Best spectator spots!

• The tripper boats get you close to the action for the long races and rounds! You can return to shore between rounds. Hop on from St. Mary’s Quay.

• From shore, a great place to watch the long races is from the Garrison. For the Nut Rock races, Juliet’s Garden is a great vantage point – bring binoculars!

• Soak up the atmosphere –head to Holgate’s Green, Hugh Town

GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS

day by day

FRIDAY 28TH APRIL

Vets Day

• Ladies’ Vets racing starts at 11.30am

• Gigs line up in alphabetical order on the start line off St. Agnes

• Subsequent races begin by Nut Rock, off Tresco

Gigs cross finishing line at St.Mary’s Harbour, ranked into groups:

• The first 12 gigs = Group A

• The second 12 gigs = Group B

• And so on

By the end of the day, both Men’s and Ladies’ Vets and Super Vets have completed round two.

SATURDAY 29TH APRIL

• Final day for Vets and Super Vets

• Ladies’ Vets race from Nut Rock, off Tresco

• Followed by Ladies’ Super Vets, then Men’s.

The Long Race!

#Round 1 St. Agnes:

• Ladies’ 12.30pm

• Men’s 14.00pm

• In both races, 120 gigs will be rowing – a spectacle as they approach St. Mary’s!

• Crews grouped and scored

#Round 2 Nut Rock:

• Ladies’ 15.15pm

• Men’s 17.00pm

• Crews grouped and scored

SUNDAY 30TH APRIL

Up for grabs!

#Round 3 Nut Rock:

• Ladies’ 10.00am

• Men’s Round 11.45am

• Finals 1.30pm and 3.30pm respectively

• Lowest group starts first, then in procession through to Group A

• First and second in their races move up

• Bottom two move down

GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS Programme of events

THURSDAY 27TH

12:00 Tunnel opens for Coxes Registrations at Holgate’s Green

FRIDAY 28TH

10:00 Vets Coxs’ meeting at the Methodist Chapel

11:30 St. Agnes Ladies’ Vets

12:00 St. Agnes Ladies’ Super Vets

13:45 St. Agnes Men’s Vets

14:15 St. Agnes Men’s Super Vets

16:30 NutRock Ladies’ Vets

Followed by Nut Rock Ladies’ Super Vets

18:00 Nutrock Men’s Vets

Followed by Nutrock Men’s Super Vets

SATURDAY 29TH

08:30 Open Champs Coxs’ meeting at the Methodist Chapel

10:00 Nut Rock Ladies’ Vets Final

10:10 Nut Rock Ladies’ Super Vets Final

11:00 Nut Rock Men’s Vets Final

11:10 Nut Rock Men’s Super Vets Final

12:30 St. Agnes Ladies’ Round 1

14:00 St. Agnes Men’s Round 1

15:15 Nut Rock Ladies’ Round 2

17:00 Nut Rock Men’s Round 2

SUNDAY 30TH

10:00 Nut Rock Ladies’ Round 3

11:45 Nut Rock Men’s Round 3

13:30 Nut Rock Ladies’ Final

15:30 Nut Rock Men’s Final

17:00 Presentation

GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS Awards & trophies

Perpetual trophies

MEN'S

Accompanying Medals

Men's & Ladies' group trophies

Group B The Atlantic

Group C Garrison Campsite

Group D The Wheelhouse

Group E The Sandpiper

Group F Galley Fish & Chips

Group G Juliet’s Garden

Group H C J Mumfords Newsagents

Group I Bourdeaux Shop

Group J Ratbags Canvas Shop

Group K Tregarthen’s Hotel

Large Wooden Spoon Andrew Hicks

Little Wooden Spoons The Store

Sportsman’s Trophy D& L Townend

Bryher betweenThesmallestislandinthearchipelago,nestled TrescoanduninhabitedSamson,isrugged innature,surroundedbyshelteredcovesandquiet

race maps

ST. AGNES TO ST. MARY’S QUAY

NUT ROCK TO ST. MARY’S QUAY

THE TUNNEL

Holgates Green, Hugh Town | Open Friday morning until Monday lunchtime

 Brochures, information, lost property, and Coxswain’s signing in desk.

The Tunnel will remain open until 1 hour after the finish of the last race of the day.

Everyone welcome! The Tunnel has all your refreshment needs. All proceeds go to the world Pilot Gig Championship Fund.

  Credit/debit & cash accepted

Breakfasts | 8am - 10am

Warming porridge, cooked breakfast & bacon butties.

Meals | Served after breakfast

Tray bakes, pasta dishes, curry & rice, roast potato wedges and jacket potatoes with salads.

Drinks and snacks | Served all day tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks & cake.

GF and Vegetarian options available.

Our thanks – the WPGC Committee

St. Mary’s Quay

COLOUR (above and below the waterline)

Images by Gordon Brown Photograpghy

GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS

GIG NAME COLOUR (above and below the waterline) YEAR CLUB

GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS

Hugh Town map

Tourist Info Centre

Hospital/Health Centre

Defibrillator

Public toilet

Disabled toilet

Telephone

Place of worship

Shower facilities

Police station

Post Office

Baby changing

Waiting room

Ferry terminal

Parking

Historic/Cultural site

Footpath Road

Unmade road/track

No dogs (May-Sept)

Results/presentations

Race finish line

Race control

The Tunnel

First Aid

Harry’s Walls

Lifeboat Station Visitor Centre RNLI Shop

Carn Thomas

Gig Sheds

Porthmellon Beach Business Park

Island Carriers

Rechabite Slip Shelter

Holgates Green

Catholic Church

Church Hall

PORTHCRESSA ROAD

St Mary’s Church

Methodist Chapel & Hall Church Pavilion Chaplaincy

CHURCH STREET

Masonic Hall

Power Station

MOORWELLLANE

JACKSON’S HILL

PILOT’SRETREAT

Fire Station

Hospital and Dentist

CHURCHROAD OLDTOWNROAD TELEGRAPHROAD THE STRAND

Health Centre

Ladies’ Results 2022 open

Group

vets super vets

Past results

For more historic results visit

1. Zelda

2. Spy

3. Zawn

4. Len White

5. Catalina

6. Avona

7. Henry Smardon

8. Tristan

11. Zeeheld

12. An Dhowrlann

Men’s Results 2022 open

1. Ann Glanville

2. Tregarthens

3. Ictis

4. Polvarth

5. Morgawr

6. Lightning

7. Q

8. Isolde

9. Vault

10. Bedehaven

11. Whitford

12. Rapparee

1. An Dhowrlann

2. Arwenack

3. Amuda

4. Len White

5. Bolt

6. An Vilt

7. Tempest

8. Grace

9. Star of Northney

10. Tamarisk

11. Helford

12. Pegasus

A world apart but not a world away...

The 16th century Star Castle Hotel, steeped in history and set in 4 acres of secluded gardens with breathtaking panoramic views of the shimmering archipelago.

A gourmet hotel with a choice of two award-winning restaurants serving a daily changing menu designed around locally sourced produce.

St. Marys, Isles of Scilly

Phone 01720 422317

Email info@star-castle.co.uk

Web star-castle.co.uk

Situated at the entrance to St. Mary's Harbour Quay, The Mermaid Inn is the Isles of Scilly's most iconic public house. Traditionally the haunt of smugglers, pirates and fishermen, the pub is still firmly connected to its maritime past. Now the destination of choice for locals and visitors alike, the traditional main bar is the social hub of St. Mary's.

You can also experience the Slip Inn Bar & Bistro or the Mermaid Restaurant, both of which overlook the Old Quay and St. Mary's Harbour and have stunning views of Samson, Bryher and Tresco.

The Mermaid Inn | The Bank | St. Mary's

 01720 422701

 info@mermaidscilly.co.uk

 mermaidscilly.co.uk

Planning for the gig Champs

From transporting 113 gigs, to tonnes of beer and pasta – Isles of Scilly Steamship Group have got it down to a fine art.

It’s no exaggeration to say gig weekend is a huge logistical operation for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group – and after more than 30 years, it’s one we’ve got down to a fine art.

As well as transporting thousands of passengers to the islands, we ship records amount of freight and careful planning begins months in advance.

Thousands of items of luggage will be handled by our quay staff – four times as much as on a normal weekend.

Our dedicated freight ship Gry Maritha will carry hundreds of tonnes of freight in the week leading up to the championships.

The cargo includes thousands of toilet rolls and tonnes of beer and pasta.

All this is before we’ve even mentioned the 113 gigs we’ve transported this year. The first gigs were carried to Scilly in February, and it’s been a steady stream ever since.

We can take two gigs on Scillonian III and six on Gry Maritha, so between February and the championships there have been gigs on every sailing, with Scillonian carrying 52 in total and the Gry 61.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has supported the World Pilot Gig Championships since its inception in 1990, transporting thousands of gigs to and from the islands over the years.

In addition to transporting the gigs, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company supports the event by offering special travel rates to competitors and provides four extra sailings over the weekend of the competition.

A potted history of pilot gigs on the Isles of Scilly

The earliest detailed record of the gig dates from 1666 when pilot gigs from St. Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly rescued the crew of the Royal Oak, which had been wrecked on Bishop Rock.

Dating back to the 17th century, pilot gigs were recognised as shore-based lifeboats and offered guidance for visiting ships. The islands were the first port of call after a long Atlantic crossing for fresh supplies or repairs. A ship would pick up a pilot to guide them safely into the shelter of St. Mary’s pool. When a ship signalled with a flag for a pilot, the gigs would race to get there first and claim the job – and the payment!

Shortly after World War II, the working life of the pilot gig diminished, but racing for pleasure soon became a pastime and a passion across the islands. To this day, throughout the summer, gig racing takes place between the islands every Wednesday and Friday evenings. Watch the local gig crews race for glory and bag yourself a good vantage point on St. Mary’s or get up close aboard a tripper boat. Join the crews for a drink and plenty of stories in the pub after the races for a glimpse into the amazing world of gig rowing.

In 1850, around 200 men worked as pilots on the Isles of Scilly whilst today gigs are raced purely for pleasure here and throughout Cornwall and the South West. The pilot gig heritage is an intrinsic part of island life and deep-rooted in our island communities.

HISTORY OF THE WORLD PILOT GIG CHAMPIONSHIPS

The WPGC is an annual gig racing event held during May bank holiday weekend on Scilly. At its inception in 1990 it attracted just 19 of crews from Cornwall and the islands but has grown over the years with gig crews attending from local shores and as far away as the USA. The “Champs” have become an island spectacle as a carnival atmosphere descends across our tiny archipelago.

THE ORIGINAL GIG SPEC

The lightweight design of a pilot gig is a six-oared rowing boat, built of Cornish narrow leaf elm, 32 feet (9.8m) long with a beam of 4 feet 10 inches (1.47m). All modern racing gigs are based on the "Treffry", built in 1838 by William Peters of St. Mawes, which is still owned and raced by the Newquay Rowing Club today.

WHO GOVERNS A NEW GIG BUILD?

The sport is governed by the Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA), who monitors all racing gigs during the construction phase. The Association's Standards Officer is responsible for measuring every gig at least three times during construction to ensure it conforms to the standard set by the association.

There are currently over 220 gigs on the CPGA register. The most recent to be signed off by the CPGA was Florence, built for Brixham Gig Club with the gig number 229.

Keeping Scilly Special

We look after around half of the islands so that we can Keep Scilly Special for wildlife and people. Here’s how you can help:

1. Respect our wildlife by viewing from a distance and picking up litter.

2. Be a responsible dog owner - clean up after them and be mindful of wildlife and livestock.

3. Stay in one of Scilly’s picturesque campsites - please don’t wild camp.

You an help us Keep Scilly Special by joining us or donating.

ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk

Boat builders over time

The art of gig building dates back centuries – and it’s still thriving today.

Andrew Nancarrow

WHO MENTORED EPIC ENERGY, 2020

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the building of the Pilot Gig ‘Energy’ in 1985, the Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA) commissioned Falmouth Marine School once more to build a new Cornish Pilot Gig Epic Energy which was launched in 2020. Build was overseen by boatbuilder Andrew Nancarrow with the help of 40 Falmouth Marine School students who carry on the legacy of gig building to this day.

Ralph Bird BUILDING THE WILLIAM PETERS, 1987

Ralph Bird was the Cornish craftsman boat-builder who took the fading sport of Cornish pilot gig racing from the pages of the history books and turned it into a thriving competitive pastime, claimed now to be the fastest-growing community sport in the West Country and further afield, even reaching international shores.

Here’s Ralph fitting a rib during the construction of the Cornish Pilot Gig, William Peters, in his shed near Devoran. William Peters was built for Roseland Gig Club and launched in 1987.

WITH ‘ST MAWES’, C1930

Boat Builder Nicholas Peters, of the Peters family of Freshwater Boatyard in St Mawes, was renowned for their innovations for the most efficient pilot gig whereby all subsequent gigs were and are built to that spec today, and responsible for the Cornish Pilot Gig. William Peters originally established the Peters boat building yard at Polvarth near St. Mawes in 1790 and gained a reputation for building high quality vessels from gigs to schooners. However, at the turn of the century he decided to concentrate solely on gig construction. The reputation of the Peters gigs rapidly gained the attention of the pilotage world, and in addition to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, other services ordered them - in 1812 three gigs were ordered for Bassein in Burma!

Nicholas is pictured by the stern of four-oared gig ‘St Mawes’.

Nicholas Peters

Club In A Box

Club In A Box was introduced by the Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA) to allow new and maturing clubs to get up and running at minimum expense.

The first GRP training gigs were launched in 2017 at Christchurch and the second at Torpoint, both built by Rossiter’s Yachts Ltd. The first named the Seven Stars, the second named Walter Hicks (Korev).

Club In A Box provides support to get set up including GRP Training Gig, set of oars and seats, cover, pins and trailer.

“Put simply, the Gig in a Box made the Weston-super-Mare Gig Club possible. You can’t attract members to or generate excitement about a boatless boat club. Having Walter Hicks in situ made a huge statement, attracting interest, members, and support. We are now on target to buy our own GRP training boat when the CPGA gig moves on to its next club when our loan ends. We’ll miss her!” (Weston-Super-Mare Pilot Gig Club)

The package has helped many clubs find their way to water including London Cornish, Newhaven, Torpoint Rowers, Chichester Yacht Club, Thames Barbarians, to name a few. A number of these clubs have gone on to purchase a Cornish Pilot Gig and are now all full members of the CPGA.

The CPGA membership continues to grow, currently standing at 88 clubs throughout the Southern part of the UK, but with clubs in Norfolk, Essex, London, and Hertfordshire as well.

THERE ARE THREE CLUB IN A BOX PACKAGES:

The first, Seven Stars, was branded after the first St Austell Brewery pub

Walter Hicks was branded after the Brewery’s founding father who set up in business in 1851

The third has yet to be branded

WHY APPLY TO CLUB IN A BOX?

Enable new and existing rowers to row in a gig

Opportunity to expand rowing for the local community

Enable clubs to generate income to buy a Cornish Pilot Gig and satisfy the growth of membership at the club

To build a gig club in the area

For more information.  admin@cpga.co.uk

One of the CPGA’s lasting legacy is to continue to raise the interest in the Cornish Pilot Gig’s heritage.

'SPIRIT OF ST. AGNES' & 'ENTERPRISE'

We operate a comprehensive daily service to St. Mary's and other islands aboard our purpose-built catamaran 'Spirit of St. Agnes' Special Charters and our Sea Taxi Services are also available.

PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS

 01720 422704

 @stagnesboating

New gig to be built in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Gig Club have announced that they are planning on building a brand-new Cornish Pilot Gig with the Lyme Regis based Boat Building Academy. The boat is being commissioned and built by Rob Hounslow, a member of the Gig Club, current men’s co-captain and a lecturer at the prestigious Boat Building Academy in Lyme.

“We expect to start work in June, this year, and to have the boat ready for the 2024 World Gig Rowing Championships in the Isles of Scilly”, said Rob.

He continued, “The new gig will continue a tradition of having all the Lyme Regis boats built in Lyme Regis itself. I’m very honoured to be able to maintain this tradition. To enable our continued success, we need to maintain our fleet of gigs and this initiative will add a new purpose-built Cornish Pilot Gig to our fleet”.

Lyme Regis are coming off a successful 2022 season, with both men’s and women’s crews placing highly in last year’s championships and at regattas through the South West.

Find out more about the club and to follow their journey

lymeregisgigclub.com

Special thanks goes to

Sharp’s Brewery

TMS Maritime Ltd

South West Water

Duchy of Cornwall

St. Mary's Harbour staff

Justin and Alison King

Council of the Isles of Scilly

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group

Islands’ Partnership

Island Carriers

Richard Hand Haulage

Fire Crews and Coastguard

Ben Jenkins and the crew of the Lyonesse Lady

Peter Hicks

Andrew Hicks

St John Ambulance

Clifford Freeman

CPGA

Carole Holmes

(The Methodist Chapel)

Booker Wholesale UK

Ben Andrews of Island

Boat Hire Bryher

Starters, finishers, scorers, safety Boat crews, Marshall’s and volunteers in The Tunnel who put so much time and effort to make this event happen.

A very big "Thank you too" to all the businesses who generously sponsor the Trophies and Medals.

On The Quay for a refreshment station

The Mermaid and St Austell Brewery in providing a drink for the Marshalling Teams

IOS Devon & Cornwall Police

In Memoriam

To members of our gig racing community who are no longer with us: rowers, team-mates, crew, family, and friends – we fondly remember you.

Photo: Bruce Kahn ‘Rebel’

SPONSORS PROUD

OF THE WORLD

PILOT GIG

CHAMPIONSHIPS