TAMAR and Tavy Gig Club took several crews to the Looe Rowing Club CPGA Tribute event on Saturday. This event is one of a series which take place throughout the summer culminating in the championships at Newquay. Crews are seeded in the finals depending on how many points they are awarded in each Tribute event.

The conditions at Millendreath beach were extremely difficult with a big sea., rain and strong winds. Rowers had to concentrate hard on 'finding water' at times on the crests of waves and had to contend with water washing right over the boat at others. Coxes had to concentrate on finding the buoys in the misty conditions.

The mens crew were out first with Alex Masters stepping in at the last minute. Despite the challenging conditions they had a good race and finished strongly.

The ladies A were next out and quickly overtook Bedheven from Bude. With the main pack all the way they had a really good tussle with Black Ven for most of the race who unfortunately pipped them at the post.

Ladies B in the next heat had a brilliant and exciting race, overtaking two boats at the beginning and then fighting hard with Lightening from Dart and finishing well. Both crews finished with good overall positions and gained five points each. Unfortunately, due to the bad conditions, the U14s race was cancelled which was disappointing for the juniors who had made the effort to go all the way to Looe but as always they took it in their stride and were a credit to the club.

Bill Stacey-Norris and Tricia Stewart were the coxes for the day and both did superb jobs, giving all crews the best possible chances. The club was grateful to Cris Parry for towing the gig down the windy lanes to Millendreath but as always there was lots of help from other clubs to get the boat out of the water and back on to the trailer.

The camaraderie and general friendliness at these events is always exceptional no matter what has just happened on the water!

n Tamar and Tavy Gig Club welcome new members of all ages (from 10 years up). Please see the website TamarandTavygigclub.co.uk for more details.