THE three rivers race, the first and probably the toughest race of the gig racing circuit, was a brilliant chance to show new gig Tamar her river and make her debut on the gig rowing circuit. Fresh from the workshop, built in 2008 by local shipwright and craftsman Brian Nobbs of Cross Green, she set off on the long course. Starting at Brunel Bridge, visiting the Tavy, the Tamar, the Lynher and then the battle back against the wind and tide to the bridge. The blue and maroon paintwork gleaming, the ladies set off with Rob Dawe coxing. A steady strong pace combined with the winter endurance training paid off as three boats were easily taken. Tamar flew downwind with the long, strong strokes. The ladies' crew, all of whom were vets, came in 17th out of 30 strong ladies' crews in a time of one hour 48 seconds. After a swift turnaround, Drummond Challis took Tamar's helm with the men's crew. After a fast and furious first leg the lads, nicely in time, came in also 17th out of 37 crews in 52 minutes 10 seconds. Meanwhile Carolyn Dawe coxed the mens' vets in Ginette to finish the long course in 56mins 23secs, beating their local rivals Salcombe veterans. Tamar well and truly tasted her river and responded well to the challenge; she is a credit to Brian's craftsmanship. The support from the rest of the club was fabulous, with a mixed crew rowing Ginette to and from Weir Quay to Saltash and cheering the racers on. l Tavy Gig Club welcomes all comers, whether supporters, rowers or social rowers or those wanting to give the fastest growing sport in the west a try. Go to the website http://www.tntgc.org.uk">www.tntgc.org.uk Tamar and Tavy Gig Club combine with other local sports enthusiasts over the winter months for circuit training under the guidance of Nigel Jenkins. The winter training posse, families and friends ran a relay marathon for Sport Relief. Each 'athlete' or groups of ran one mile on the Pew Tor road, completing the marathon in three hours 29 minutes, with an average mile on the undulating course taking eight minutes four seconds, and raising £101.50. Conditions were blustery. Sam Eggins was first off the mark at 7.15am, setting the pace at 7mins 28 secs for her mile. Helen Smith was the fastest female with a good time of 7mins Tom Sargeant was the last runner but put in the fastest time of the day with a 6.14 mile. Other notable performances were a great run by Sam Lloyd, aged 13, (8.03) and Miles Eastaugh, 12, (8.07) who both beat their mums; Fred Williams as the youngest runner, aged five, accompanied by sister Floss and buddy Rosie (9.08).