A NEW gig racing club based at Weir Quay on the Bere Peninsula has been formed and is looking for rowers and new members to compete in pilot gig rowing ? the fastest growing sport in the South West.

The Tamar and Tavy Gig Club is looking for more members and sponsors, and is holding a public meeting in Bere Alston for those interested in finding out more about what the sport has to offer.

There will be rowing machine competitions, as well as videos of the World Pilot Gig Championships and a talk from visiting rowers.

The club is hoping to attract sponsors to help with funding of their first boat ? its launch is planned for the 2004 rowing season.

The club is also applying for a grant to help fund the boat, and have been offered help from neighbouring gig clubs prepared to make rowing and training opportunities available to Tamar and Tavy members.

The gig dates back to the early 18th century and, with a pilot on board, was raced out to passing sailing ships returning from America, the West Indies and ports around the world, to guide them through the dangers of rocky waters to safety in Cornwall?s harbours.

Competition was fierce. The first crew to get their pilot aboard won the contract and the others got nothing. Later, gigs were used for smuggling and as lifeboats, due to their speed and seaworthiness.

Today, gigs are raced for sport, with more than 35 clubs in the South West and major competitions taking place in the Isles of Scilly and Newquay.

Most weekends between May and September, around 500 rowers take part in events, with races for under 14s and 16s, ladies and men?s ?A? and ?B? crews as well as mixed and veterans crews.

The inaugural meeting is at Bere Alston community sports hall at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 22.

Further public meetings are being held at Gunnislake at Delaware School sports hall on Monday, March 3 and at Tavistock College in the Octagon, on Saturday, March 8.

Anyone and everyone is invited along, whether they are interested in the competitive or social side of gig rowing.

For further information contact Bob Turner on 01822 841464.