33RD WORLD PILOT GIG CHAMPIONSHIPS
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World Pilot Gig Championships
Welcome to the World Pilot Gig Championships, the premier sporting event of the Isles of Scilly! Every year, rowers from near and far come together on Scilly’s shores to honour this beloved sport. With over 130 gig crews competing, the event promises a vibrant display of comradery, colourful spectacle, and athletic excellence—a sight that consistently dazzles all who attend.
Welcome
The WPGC committee and I would like to welcome you to the 33rd World Pilot Gig Championships!
Having very recently taken over from Dylan Jane as chairman for this year’s event, I would like to thank Dylan for all his hard work over the last 2 years. His efforts have been invaluable in maintaining the event that we all know and love. Thank you also to the WPGC committee and Islands’ Partnership (Visit Isles of Scilly) for their operational work and guidance behind the scenes helping to put on this year’s event.
We have a few new additions for this year’s Championships, there will for the first time be a masters category and we look forward to this becoming an integral part of the weekend in future years. There will also be an all-new event
TRISTAN HICKS
WPGC Chairman wpgc.uk
area in The Park in the middle of town, with racing being streamed on a large LED screen, provided by Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, as well as a pop-up bar run by Old Town Inn. We hope this adds to your enjoyment and offers a new element to your weekend!
Huge thanks must, as always, go to The Tunnel personnel for all their hard work providing the main event area with refreshments all weekend long, and to all the volunteers and marshals that offer their time throughout the weekend! This year, you will be able to spot our event marshals in their blue WPGC volunteer t-shirts!
Thank you for coming and we hope you all enjoy this years WPGC.
As WPGC commemorates its 33rd anniversary, Sharp’s Brewery proudly returns as the headline sponsor of the World Pilot Gig Championships, marking a significant milestone for the brewery as they celebrate 30 years of brewing beer. It’s the third year that the Rock-based brewery has sponsored this event via its flagship brand, Doom Bar.
Sharp’s Brewery’s Regional On-trade Manager, Daniel Frost, said, “2024 is a really special year for us as we celebrate 30 years of brewing. Sponsoring this iconic event is another brilliant way to mark the occasion.
Brewery
At Sharp’s, the Cornish active, outdoor lifestyle is very much at the heart of our own personal lifestyles, brands and products, so we are proud to provide ongoing support and sponsorship of our local gig rowing community and clubs. Extending this support to such an exciting sporting event is an absolute honour.”
DANIEL FROST
From Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
Iam delighted to welcome the World Pilot Gig Championships back to Scilly for the 33rd year.
islesofscilly-travel.co.uk WELCOME
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
At the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, we 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 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 March, months before the racing actually begins. But we also
IAN HOWARD MBE
Chairman, Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
transport passengers, luggage and record amounts of freight. It’s our busiest weekend of the year.
On behalf of the Group, 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.
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I N N
GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS
Friday 3rd
VETS, SUPER VETS AND MASTERS
• Women’s Vets racing starts at 11.30am, followed by Super Vets and Masters.
• Crews are grouped alphabetically, then drawn randomly for the start line
• 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 Women’s Vets and Super Vets have completed round two. And for the first time ever, winners of the WPGC Masters will be announced.
Saturday 4th
• Final day for Vets and Super Vets
• Women’s Vets race from Nut Rock, off Tresco
• Followed by Women’s Super Vets, then Men’s.
THE LONG RACE!
#Round 1 St. Agnes:
• Women’s 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:
• Women’s 15.15pm
• Men’s 17.00pm
• Crews grouped and scored
Sunday 5th
UP FOR GRABS!
#Round 3 Nut Rock:
• Women’s 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
The Wildlife Trust looks 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.
the tunnel
Holgates Green, Hugh Town | Open Friday - Monday
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
Bring your own reusable cup
NEW EVENT SPACE
The Park
Hugh Town | Open Friday - Sunday
Watch
Come watch the weekend’s racing on a large LED screen (sponsored by Isles of Scilly Steamship Group) in the all new event area in The Park and delve into the heritage of gig racing with film clips provided by the CPGA team.
Thanks to our generous sponsors
Breakfasts | 8am - 10am Warming porridge, cooked breakfast & bacon butties.
Meals | Served after breakfast Tray bakes, pasta dishes, curry & rice, jacket potatoes, wedges and salads.
Drinks and snacks | Served all day tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks & cake. GF and Vegetarian options available.
Drink
A pop-up bar run by Old Town Inn will be on location to serve a variety of ales and other beverages including Sharp’s Brewery Doom Bar, as you soak up the atmosphere.
On the Rocks Bar
Porthcressa beach | Open Wednesday - Monday (weather dependant)
Pop up bar serving Pimm's, Prosecco, spirits, lagers and soft drinks above Porthcressa Beach.
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Working in partnership with over 300 businesses across the Isles of Scilly, the Islands’ Partnership leads the sustainable growth of the islands’ visitor economy, creating compelling reasons to visit and promoting the Visit Isles of Scilly brand to the world.
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CHAMPS race maps
ST. AGNES TO ST. MARY’S QUAY
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!
NUT ROCK TO ST. MARY’S QUAY
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.
• View the racing from the big LED screen in The Park, see page 9.
St. Mary’s Quay
GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS Programme of events
FRIDAY 3RD
10:00 Vet’s Coxs’ Meeting
11:30 St. Agnes Women’s Vets
12:00 St. Agnes Women’s Super Vets (To include Masters)
13:45 St. Agnes Men’s Vets
14:15 St. Agnes Men’s Super Vets (To Include Masters)
16:30 NutRock Women’s Vets
Followed by Nut Rock Women’s Super Vets
Followed by Nut Rock Women’s Masters Final (Full round, winners of A group crowned)
18:00 Nut Rock Men’s Vets
Followed by Nut Rock Men’s Super Vets
Followed by Nut Rock Men’s Masters (Full round, Winners of A group crowned)
SATURDAY 4TH
08:30 Open Championship Coxs’ Meeting
10:00 Nut Rock Women’s Vets Final
10:10 Nut Rock Women’s Super Vets Final
11:00 Nut Rock Men’s Vets Final
11:10 Nut Rock Men’s Super Vets Final
12:30 St. Agnes Women’s Round 1
14:00 St. Agnes Men’s Round 1
15:15 Nut Rock Women’s Round 2
17:00 Nut Rock Men’s Round 2
SUNDAY 5TH
10:00 Nut Rock Women’s Round 3
11:45 Nut Rock Men’s Round 3
13:30 Nut Rock Women’s Final
15:30 Nut Rock Men’s Final
17:00 Presentation
Photograpghy
GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS
Awards & trophies
WOMEN’S
Open
1st Islands’ Partnership
2nd Sports Mode
3rd The Mermaid Inn
MEN’S
Open
1st Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
2nd Calico Jacks
3rd Douglas Chemist
Veterans
1st Tea Ladies
2nd Kernow Boats
3rd Cornwall Trophies
Veterans
1st Kit Guy
2nd Kernow Boats
3rd The Stone Shop
Super Vets
1st Ginsters
2nd St Mary’s Hall Hotel
3rd Scilly Self Catering
Super Vets
1st Ginsters
2nd St Mary’s Hall Hotel
Masters
1st Rosemullion Distillery spirits
2nd N/A
3rd N/A
3rd Scilly Self Catering Masters
1st Rosemullion Distillery spirits
2nd N/A
3rd N/A
WOMEN’S
Open
1st Islands’ Partnership
2nd Scillonian Club
3rd The Star Castle Hotel
MEN’S
Open
1st Atlantic Hotel
2nd Bourdeaux Shop
3rd Douglas Chemist
Veterans 1st IOS Store
2nd Gavin Fish & Chips
3rd Hell Bay Hotel
Veterans
1st IOS Store
2nd Troytown Farm
3rd Peninnis Farm
Super Vets
1st Tregarthen’s Hotel
2nd St Mary’s Hall Hotel
3rd Scilly Self Catering
Super Vets
1st Tregarthen’s Hotel
2nd St Mary's Hall Hotel
3rd Scilly Self Catering
Masters
1st Ned & Fin's
2nd Bryher Campsite
3rd PR Gilbert Plumbing & Heating
Masters
1st Coastguards Lookout
2nd The Ruin Inn
3rd Phoenix Craft Studios
WOMEN’S
Group B Atlantic Hotel
Group C Garrison Campsite
Group D The Wheelhouse
MEN’S
Group B Scilly Fish
Group C The Canteen
Group D The Mermaid Inn
Group E The Sandpiper
Group F Galley Fish & Chips
Group G Juliet’s Garden
Group E Poms Thai Kitchen
Group F South West Water
Group G Old Town Inn
Group H C J Mumfords
Group I Bourdeaux Shop
Group J Ratbags Canvas Shop
Group H Becky’s Scilly Cakes
Group I The New Inn
Group J Scilly Spirit Distillery
Group K Tregarthen's Hotel
Group K IOS Golf Club
GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS Gig registration 2024
Alfie Jenkins Red & white
Ammonite White & dark blue
Amuda Grey & white
Amy Shaw Black & white
An Dhowrlan White & red
Ann Glanville White & red
Arrow White & black
Arveth Varnished & maroon
Arwenack Varnished
Avarack Yellow & blue
Beacon Burgundy & white
Bedehaven Navy blue & white
Black Nore Red & white
Black Rock Varnished
Blackbird Yellow & white
Bolster Red & white
Bolt Blue & white
Bonnet Green & white
Brisons Blue & white
Brue Blue & dark blue
Bryanek Light blue & white
Brydian Burgundy & white
Cadmus Blue & white
Carrick Varnished
Catalina Jade & navy
Cetewayo White & Shah blue
Christine H Burgundy & white
Circe Blue & teal
Cockleshell
Concorde
Daedalus
Double
Drake Jade & navy
Elowen Varnished & cream
Emma Louise Varnished & white
Emperor Purple & Gold
Endurance Varnished & dark blue
Tresco & Bryher
Torridge
Energetic Yellow & white 2019 Porthleven
Faith Blue & white 2008 Devoran
Florence Turquoise & white 2023 Brixham
Fortitude Turquoise & white
St Ives
Fulmar White 2007 Bude
Galatea Blue & white 2001 St. Martins IOS
Gallos Varnished
Gibraltar
Ginette Blue & claret
Goose Blue & teal
Govenek Varnished
Governor Varnished & white
Grace Varnished & black
Grace O’Malley Blue & white
Gwineas Purple & white
H4H Valiant Red & white
Heart Of Hayling Blue & white
Helford Green & white
Ictis Black & white
Irene Varnished
Islander Maroon & white
Isolde Green & white
Joker Blue & white
Kensa Black & white
GIG NAME COLOUR (above and below the waterline) YEAR CLUB NAME
Images by Gordon Brown Photograpghy
GUIDE TO THE CHAMPS Gig registration 2024
Killigerrran Red & white
Len
Liberty Varnished
Lightning Burgundy & white
Little Picket Light blue & white
Locky White
Magwitch Black & red
Manacle Belle Yellow & black
Melusine Green & white
Men-A-Vaur
Minnadhu White & dark
Mischief Blue & white
Morah Yellow & black
Morgan Navy blue & white
Morgawr Green & white
Morladron Vathys Red/black & black
Nipper Red & black
Nornour White & orange
Osprey Black & white
Pedn Billy Green & white
Penarrow Burgundy & white
Pentargon Varnished
Petroc
Pulpit Rock Red & white
Ralph
Rapparee Burgundy & white
Rodney Bey Orange & white
Rogue Burgundy & white
Roscarrock Royal blue & red
Serica Navy blue & white
Shah Blue & white
Shelly Maid Orange & white
Shocking Turquoise
Slippen Blue & white
Speedwell Blue & white
St. Mary's IOS
St. Agnes IOS
Exmouth
United Rowers
St. Mary's IOS
Spriggan Dark grey & black 2023 Charlestown
Spurr Royal blue & white
Spy Blue & navy blue
St. Elvan Yellow & white
Star of Northney Blue & white
Swift Blue & white
Talisman Blue & white
Tamarisk Light blue & white
Tempest Cream & navy
Templer Navy blue & white
Teylu Cream & green
Toby Blue & navy blue
Torrent Varnished
Tregarthens Teal & white
Tristan Green & white
Troy Red & white
Valkyrie Green & white
Vault Purple & white
Vigila White & red
Vilt Varnished
Volante Burgundy & white
Warrior Maroon & white
Wasp Navy blue & white
Whitford White
Winspit Blue & white
Zawn Varnished & white
Zeeheld Varnished
Zelda Varnished
Zoras Light blue & white
Looe
Cadgwith
Lyme Regis
River Teign
Coastal Rowing Academy
Newquay
Boscastle & Crackington
St. Mary's
River Fowey
Rowhedge
St. Goran
RAF St Mawgan
WsV De Spiegel
Par Bay
Yealm
Flushing & Mylor
Scheveningsche Roeivereeniging
St. Mary's
Cadgwith
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
First Aid
PILOT’SRETREAT
Porthloo
Women’s Results 2023 open
MORGAWR
1st MORGAWR HELFORD
Helford celebrate their victory
2nd Q FOWEY
3rd AN DHOWRLANN CARADON
Group A
1. Morgawr
2. Q
3. An Dhowrlann
4. Arwenack
5. Morah
6. Spurr
7. Black Rock
8. Spy
9. Spriggan
10. Ictis
11. Govenek
12. Concorde
Group B
13. Polvarth
14. Ann Glanville
15. Brydian
16. Kensa
17. Zawn
18. Zelda
19. Templer
20. Morgan
21. Swift
22. Emma Louise
23. Tregarthens
24. Helford
Group C
25. Heart of Hayling
26. Catalina
27. Pedn Billy
28. Bolt
29. Cormoran
30. Rapparee
31. Hope
32. Messack
33. Energetic
34. Isabelle
35. Pentargon
36. Troy
Group D
37. Amazon
38. Tristan
39. Lightning
40. Shelly Maid
41. Warrior
42. Bonnet
43. Victory
44. Ginette
45. Killigerran
46. Tamarisk
47. Shocking
48. Florence
Group E
49. Bedehaven
50. Galatea
51. Ralph Bird
52. Winspit
53. Liberty
54. Pegasus
55. Dagger
56. Star Of Northney
57. Melusine
58. Gallos
59. Faith
60. Bolster
Group F
61. Zeeheld
62. Young Bristol
63. Nornour
64. Manacle Belle
65. Vault
66. Nipper
67. Blackbird
68. Pulpit Rock
69. Len White
70. St Elvan
71. Amuda
72. Torrent
Group G
73. Geevor
74. Grace
75. Talisman
76. Dew of the Sea
77. Elowen
78. Vigila
79. Black Nore
80. Arrow
81. Drake
82. Cadmus
83. Defiance
84. Avona
Group H
85. Isolde
86. Islander
87. Verbena
88. Penarrow
89. Men-A-Vaur
90. Wasp
91. Shah
92. Golden Eagle
93. Tamar
94. Goose
95. Slippen
96. Spirit of Rame
Group I
97. Gibraltar
98. Valkyrie
99. Emperor
100. Serica
101. Phoenix
102. Leah C
103. Arveth
104. Volante
105. Top Catch
106. Rogue
107. Daedalus
108. Speedwell
Group J
109. Iron Maid
110. Little Picket
111. Old Harry
112. Epic Energy
113. Magwitch
114. Grace O'Malley
115. Dolphin
116. Watch and Pray
117. Hurricane
118. Gwineas
119. Black Ven
120. Gull Rock
121. H4H Valiant
122. Amelie
vets super vets
Tregarthens
Past results
Men’s Results 2023 open
CURRAH'S PRIDE
1st CURRAH'S PRIDE LOOE
Looe celebrate their victory
2nd MORAH COVERACK
3rd BLACK ROCK FALMOUTH
Group A
1. Currah's Pride
2. Morah
3. Black Rock
4. Zelda
5. Morgawr
6. Polvarth
7. Warrior
8. Spurr
9. An Dhowrlann
10. Arwenack
11. Len White
12. Rogue
Group B
13. Ann Glanville
14. Talisman
15. Ictis
16. Gallos
17. Helford
18. Messack
19. Tempest
20. Swift
21. Spriggan
22. Bedehaven
23. Templer
24. Zawn
Group C
25. Heart Of Hayling
26. Tamarisk
27. Tregarthens
28. Concorde
29. Energetic
30. Emperor
31. Zeeheld
32. Buller
33. Goose
34. Galatea
35. Vault
36. Bolster
Group D
37. Lightning
38. Amazon
39. Catalina
40. Spy
41. Torrent
42. Victory
43. Pentargon
44. Verbena
45. Alfie Jenkins
46. Volante
47. Isabelle
48. Killigerran
Group E
49. Govenek
50. Kensa
51. Bolt
52. Grace
53. Emma Louise
54. Brydian
55. Melusine
56. Pedn Billy
57. Wasp
58. Elowen
59. Amuda
60. Winspit
Group F
61. Black Ven
62. Shelly Maid
63. Liberty
64. Rapparee
65. Shah
66. St Elvan
67. Double Dutch
68. Manacle Belle
69. Nipper
70. Morgan
71. Tristan
72. Ginette
Group G
73. Pulpit Rock
74. Phoenix
75. Arveth
76. Shocking
77. Arrow
78. Islander
79. Florence
80. Golden Eagle
81. Q
82. Cadmus
83. Penarrow
84. Blackbird
Group H
85. Ralph Bird
86. Faith
87. Dew Of The Sea
88. Vigila
89. Bonnet
90. Speedwell
91. Avona
92. Serica
93. Black Nore
94. Old Harry
95. Gwineas
96. Cormoran
Group I
97. Defiance
98. Iron Maid
99. Grace O'malley
100. Daedalus
101. Young Bristol
102. Valkyrie
103. Troy
104. Drake
105. Tamar
106. Watch And Pray
107. Spirit Of Rame
108. Star Of Northney
Group J
109. Pegasus
110. Magwitch
111. Hope
112. Brisons
113. Dagger
114. Little Picket
115. Epic Energy
116. H4H Valiant
117. Geevor
118. Nornour
119. Gibraltar
120. Amelie
121. Isolde
122. Slippen
123. Leah C
Group A
1. Ann Glanville
2. ICTIS
3. Spriggan
4. Morgawr
5. Polvarth
6. Zelda 7. Arrow
8. Islander 9. Pulpit Rock
10. Catalina 11. Elowen
Arveth
Dhowrlann
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.
The Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service welcomes you to the islands…
We are committed to keeping our communities and visitors to all five islands safe from fire and other risks. Let's, together, make the 2024 World Pilot Gig Championships the best and safest ever!
Holiday accomodation: Familiarise yourself with the name and address of your accommodation so that you can make a 999 call. Know how to raise the alarm and the quickest way out in the event of an emergency.
BBQ’s: If you’re planning on using a BBQ during the championships (disposable, charcoal or gas) make sure you keep yourself safe. Don’t put yourself at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and if using a disposable BBQ, don’t bury it afterwards on the beach.
Rubbish: Love the islands, leave no trace. Dispose of your rubbish responsibly.
For further fire safety guidance please see
gov.uk/government/collections/ fire-safety-guidance
gov.uk/government/publications/ fire-safety-outdoors
Bristol bring Mischief to the islands
The 33rd edition of the WPGC welcomes a new gig from Bristol Gig Club - Mischief.
Established in 2007, Bristol Pilot Gig Club boasts a membership of over 200 competitive and social rowers across all age categories including a very successful Junior squad. Bristol is fortunate to have competed in the WPGC since 2007.
Built by Andrew Nancarow, Mischief is Bristol’s 4th wooden boat and was launched last November at Bristol Harbourside in a celebration that included a blessing, homemade cider, a flotilla of Bristol’s gigs both wooden and plastic and of course, sea shanties.
Named after a Bristol Channel pilot cutter commissioned in 1906 and sailed by pilot Billy ‘the Mischief’ Morgan, Bristol’s new gig has taken part in both the Caradon 3 rivers and Helford’s Mini Scillies.
The club is looking forward to Mischief’s debut into the World Championships and have been training hard to ensure she makes a splash in the rowing community!
Toby arrives at Newquay
The home of Cornish Pilot Gigs, Newquay Rowing Club is happy to announce the arrival of their new gig, Toby.
In keeping with the club’s tradition, Toby gets her name from one of the many fish cellars that were located around Newquay.
The Toby fish cellar was located near to what is now the Belmont Club in Belmont Place and until quite recently, parts of the old building could still be seen.
Members of the club are looking forward to welcoming Toby to the fleet and are excited that she will be used to take part in the 2024 World Championships.
Toby has been built by boat builders W. C. Hunkin and Sons of Fowey. She is pale blue in colour with a varnished top strake and dark blue rubbing strake and underside.
Toby’s official launch took place on Sunday, 7 April 2024 when members of the club celebrated her arrival.
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
Cetewayo
By Patrick Bird
Cetewayo was a gig built by Nicholas Peters, purchased secondhand from St Ives in 1882 and named after the visiting Zulu king, and was renowned for her speed but despised by pilots for her tendency to plough through waves. Banned from races for her unbeatable pace, she was left to decay in obscurity. However, in 1903, a canceled regatta due to a storm presented an opportunity. With no time for repairs, desperate islanders patched her leaks with soap and paper, determined to race in the delayed regatta. She dominated the race, her coxswain bailing frantically as she surged ahead. Despite her victory, the strain of the race caused her to disintegrate upon reaching shore. She was deemed unsalvageable and consigned to flames, marking the end of her short saga in Scilly.
In 2022, Tristan Hick and I started discussing the idea of building a new Cetewayo in honour of the island’s legendary gig. Tristan and I both rowed in the Shah men’s crew together as teenagers since the 1980’s, while I was still at school on St Mary’s.
in 1908) was a five-oared gig - so this really is the first brand new six-oared gig that St Agnes has had since buying the Shah, 151 years ago.
Dad restored many of the old gigs from Newquay and Scilly and was sentimental about them, so he kept lots of pieces of these gigs that he had removed and replaced. So I thought a nice thing to do would be to integrate some of these pieces of the old gigs into the Cetewayo - every one of the thwart knees has pieces of planking laminated into them from the Newquay (1812), Bonnet (1830), Treffry (1838), Shah (1872) and Sussex (1886) - if you look very closely, you can see which pieces of wood came from which gig (my children wrote these on). Just to make sure there was a piece of the island in the gig, I used some oak retrieved from the original beams of the St Agnes lifeboat shed to make some of the timbers in the bow and stern. I also added some St Agnes sand when I painted the floorboards!
Our family has a very close affinity with St Agnes and so to build this gig truly is an honour and a privilege, especially considering the history of gigs that is embedded in the very fabric of this extraordinary island that I still call home.
The original Cetewayo was bought second hand from St Ives and the ‘Elaine’ (built
The concept of the new Cetewayo has been a long journey and not without problems - my mother passed away, my father’s house has now been sold after being in the family since 1890, in November the CPGA inexplicably decided to withdraw my licence to build the gig, then in January I ruptured the distal bicep tendon in my right arm - it’s a bit of a miracle she was finished in time for the World Championships!
Rooms with a view… and what a glorious view it is.
Tregarthen’s must have the most glorious setting of any hotel on St Mary’s, right by the water’s edge, just yards from the quay. The perfect base for your break on Scilly.
• Restaurant and spacious lounge bar
• Garden terrace for al fresco dining
• Luxury bedrooms, many with sea views
• 6 self catering cottages
• Free WiFi for all guests
5 year plan comes good
Poole Gig Rowing Club has been on a journey of growth over the recent 5 years, to improve its members' enjoyment of rowing, and their on-water successes.
Things were at a low in 2018; the club finished 7th in the Jurassic League, had just 2 usable gigs, a membership of under 30 people, and an eviction notice!
It was clear there were no quick fixes and they had to ‘build from the bottom up’; a 5-year plan was put in place to make the necessary improvements. The focus areas were targeted as the financial standing of the club; on-water technique; off-water training; community relationships; membership engagement; and development of a junior section.
Now four and half years on the club is blooming. Last year Poole won the Jurassic League; has 5 gigs in regular use; membership is well over 100; they have 3 dedicated locations to launch and recover from; members can loanat-home one of the club’s fleet of ergs; and they have a junior section.
2023 was the best year since the club's inception, with highest finish positions being posted at all the major championships entered.
In their first competitive year (2022) Poole juniors finished 3rd in their league, and last year they were joint winners! It’s been rewarding for everyone involved to now start seeing ex-juniors finding their place with the adult crews.
A standout moment for 2023 was one of the club’s juniors, Josie, being selected to row for the GB Team in Atlantic Challange 2024. This international contest is held in Maine, USA in July, bringing together crews from Denmark, Belgium, the Basque Country, France, Ireland, Italy, N.Ireland, Canada and the USA. The GB Team will be competing in the gig ‘Intégrité’, which takes a crew of 13, to row and sail her.
Good luck Josie!
'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.co.uk
@stagnesboating
Cornwall based design studio specialising in websites, brand, print, packaging and illustration.
thompsondesign.co
Cornish Pilot Gig Association at WPGC
Stream Team
Thanks to Doom Bar and Sharp's Brewery, the GigRower StreamTeam will be back on the islands to capture the racing. This year, our volunteer team is made up of photographers, commentators, tech specialists and a film crew.
The on-water team plans to live stream the racing, providing drone coverage with commentary (weather permitting). The shore-based team plans to capture the atmosphere on the beach and gather crew photographs.
A big thanks to our dedicated and hard working volunteer team, who give their time outside of their day jobs to bring you coverage of all the action.
If you see them around on the shore or on the water (or in the pub!), please do take a moment to introduce yourself and say hello. Your friendly greeting will be a welcome break from their worries about weather conditions, bandwidth issues and technical challenges!
Crew Registration
All coxes can confirm their crews at the Registration Desk before their first race. Any crew changes should be reported by the cox to the team at the desk. This enables the team to support the event with safety procedures and medical information. The Reg Desk will be open: From 12pm - 4pm on Thurs From 8am on Fri, Sat and Sun
Meet The Team
Meet the CPGA Team at the Registration Desk across the weekend with any queries about Just Go, the Wave of Events project, courses or with ideas relating to any area of the sport.
The USA crew get ready for the Champs!
The Belfast Rowers are part of ComeBoating!, a non-profit community rowing organization in Belfast, Maine, U.S.A. ComeBoating! honours Belfast’s maritime legacy by providing free community rows, open to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Belfast Bay.
ComeBoating! operates three pilot gigs. Two are cold-moulded gigs, the workhorses of our community program: "Belle Fast" and "Selkie”. Our third gig, traditionally built with CPGA plans, is named “Malcolm G” after Malcolm Gater, former Harbour Master and pilot gig coxswain from Newquay, Cornwall. Malcolm moved to Belfast in 2005, and upon seeing Cornish gigs in the harbour, immediately stepped in to teach us how to race, and planted the seed about the WPGC. We all knew that we would have to someday make the trip to the Isles of Scilly.
In 2018 we sent a men's open, women's open, and women's vets’ teams to the WPGC. We had modest expectations but managed to exceed them with the men's team finishing in group G, and the women's team finishing in the group C, 34th overall.
We had two teams training for the 2020 championship, but those hopes were dashed by the pandemic.
This year, we are sending women's and men's open teams, and a women's supervet team, and will have the honour of rowing "Locky", provided by our great friend, Steve Lock. Remaining humble in our expectations, we have been practicing steadily and hard over the past year, including through the snowy and windy Maine winter, and can’t wait to return to the Isles of Scilly!
Thank you’s
Sharp’s Brewery
Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
South West Water
Duchy of Cornwall
Islands’ Partnership
St. Mary's Harbour staff
Justin and Alison King
Patrick Bird of Kernow Boats
Anne Curnow Care
Council of the Isles of Scilly Island Carriers
Richard Hand Haulage
SC Dogs for Starlink
Mick Peck
Fire Crews and Coastguard
The Tunnel crew
St Mary’s Gig Club
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.
SPONSORS PROUD
