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.

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 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.

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.

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: ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk

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.