The sun shone and the rain stayed away as Calstock Rowing Club took to the river in their pre-season open day, on  Sunday, where some 50 new rowers turned up to try the traditional Cornish Flashboats, and the clubs Pilot gig, Zeus.  Club chairman Mark Reynolds told the Times: 'Men, women and children were introduced to the rowing boats that the club uses. Near perfect rowing conditions allowed all the new rowers a chance to try out the boats and get a real first hand taste of what traditional fixed seat rowing is like on the River Tamar.' Calstock rowing club can trace its history back to 1892, when it was first formed, but even prior to this, regattas were held at Calstock as far back as 1873. The origin goes back to the original Flashboats which would be raced down the river, to meet one of the many ships vying for trade on the River Tamar. The first to reach the ship would win the right to navigate the vessel through the shallows.  The regatta still takes place today, the year over the weekend of August 9 and 10. Details will be available on http://www.calstockrowingclub.co.uk. soon">www.calstockrowingclub.co.uk. soon. This is a highly popular event, and co-incides with the popular bikeshow, where many avid motorcyclists from all around the UK descend on the village (http://www.calstockbikeshow.org">www.calstockbikeshow.org) for more details. Recently, the club has acquired its first pilot gig, Zeus. This has strengthened the club, and many new members have joined. The club will be attending the renowned world pilot gig championships in the Isles of Scilly, over the first bank holiday weekend in May. The club will be taking its gig, Zeus, with mens' and ladies' crews as well as men's and ladies veterans. In all five crews will be rowing, a great achievement for a small club. There are now over 100 clubs affiliated to the Cornish Pilot Gig Association and the popularity has grown the sport from Cornwall to all over the South West and beyond. Calstock Rowing Club is a friendly, social and active club, with members from age 10, up to over 60. The club has invested heavily in its Flashboats and Gig this year, with a big maintenance programme. This has involved a complete re-paint of the Gig, and the re-build of some flashboats. Mark said: 'The costs involved are large, and the running of crucial fund raising events such as the Fun Day are vital to secure funds to keep the clubs equipment up to standard. 'The club is keen to attract new members, and the Fun Day was a great success in introducing many new people to the sport, and the club will continue to develop these new enthusiasts. The club attends many events and regattas thought the season, visiting and competing in some of the most beautiful coastlines in the South West.' Regular club nights are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights through-out the summer. The club invites people to go along then and meet the team,  see http://www.calstockrowingclub.co.uk">www.calstockrowingclub.co.uk, or call 07747 685594 for more details.