THE new Tamar and Tavy Gig Club pilot gig has enjoyed a successful launch just weeks before setting off for the World Gig Championships.
A large crowd gathered in blustery conditions at Weir Quay to witness the launch, which followed the blessing and naming of the boat by the Rev Greg Stanton from Lamerton.
The mayor and deputy mayor of West Devon, Cllrs Peter Hill and Christine Grills, together with mayor of Tavistock Norma Woodcock, toasted the boat.
The boatbuilder?s wife, Ginette, officially christened, the boat ? named Ginette in her honour ? by pouring champagne over the bow.
Club chairman Bob Turner thanked boatbulder Brian Nobbs, who offered to build the boat for just the cost of materials.
Mr Turner said more than 1,000 hours of skilled work had gone into the boat.
A mixed crew from the club, which was formed last July, tried out the gig following the launch and two other crews then had a go at rowing. The boat was said to have handled very well.
Arrangements have been made for the gig to go to the world championships on the Isles of Scilly this month. Club members have been training hard and, although lacking experience, the ladies? crew is expecting to take part. It is also hoped a team of men will participate, and club members will be undergoing training with an experienced Scillonian cox.
Training so far has included the use of a bank bath, which is moored off the Weir Quay dinghy park, for developing rowing technique and a flash boat.
Money for the club has been raised in a variety of methods, including sponsorship of the planks of the boat and advertisements on the road trailer.
A barbecue and refreshments accompanied the launch, and local group the Tavy Tars sang, accompanied by Jane Musgrave on guitar and bodhran.