TAMAR and Tavy Gig Club took to the waves at Looe on Saturday for their second racing event of the season, a gruelling 6 mile race around Looe Island.

Tamar and Tavy entered four crews using both their gigs, Tamar and Ginette, with strong results.

The ladies' team in Ginette with Bill Stacey-Norris coxing and Carolyn Dawe, Sally Armstrong, Loveday Fethney, Debbie Vojkovic, Jo Cameron and Nikki Sellers as crew, got off to a good start by taking advantage of a 'coming together' of other gigs. They forced their way to third place over Morlander and raced head to head for most of the course. Ginette pulled clear over the last mile and the determination showed on the crew's faces as they crossed the line third, ten lengths ahead of Morlander.

The other ladies' team in Tamar, with Robert Dawe coxing and Viv Barnes, Julie Rendle, Helen Lloyd, Chrissy Venning, Ruth Walker and Jane Morton as crew, also put in a good effort, coming in seventh overall.

The men's crews then took to the water. The A crew in Ginette had Nicky Sellers coxing and Andy Morton, Rob Dawe, Alan Perrett, Mike Barnes, Martin Painter and Pete Sellers rowing. They finished in a creditable sixth place.

The B team in Tamar had Carolyn Dawe coxing and Peter Clarke, Paul Fletcher, Stuart Armstrong, Cris Parry, Mike Vosper and Ewan Roxborough as crew.

They came in seventh, ahead of local Tamar River rivals Calstock in Zeus.

The race was a good opportunity for new club members to gain racing experience and to assess potential crews for the Gig Rowing World Championships in May. The next racing event to prepare for is the Dart River Race on April 11.

The club needs two more Concept 2 rowing machines for training.

Anyone who can help please contact Mike Barnes on 01822 841410 or email [email protected]">[email protected]