Tamar and Tavy Gig Club took two mens and two ladies crews to the annual Three Rivers Race hosted by Caradon Gig Club at Saltash this weekend. This six mile race is a long and arduous one taking about an hour and really tests the fitness levels of the crews.
Starting at the Tamar Bridge the course runs up to where the River Tavy joins the Tamar back down to Saltash, under the bridge, down to the mouth of the River Lynher and back up to the Brunel bridge. The sun shone in a cloudless sky but the stiff breeze created some lumpy water especially around the buoys at the River Tavy end of the race.
Tricia Stewart and Jane Moreton bravely coxed their first races. The ladies in Tamar suffered a difficult start but courageously fought their way to finish fifth. Ginette had a good start, fought off some clashing oars with River Dart boat Jupiter and cox Tricia made a brilliant buoy turn gaining some ground. The mens' crew in Tamar were quick off the start line and were with the main pack all the way and finished in a respectable position. Ginette didn't have such a good start but their winter training kicked in and they finished well.
All crews were grateful for the support on shore and to the club members who rowed Ginette down to Saltash from Weir Quay early in the morning not forgetting Mike Vosper who once again towed Tamar to Saltash.
It was good to see local rivals Calstock do so well and see their new winter training regime pay off.
If you are interested in finding out more about Tamar and Tavy Gig Club go to their website at Tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk