DUCHY College and Cornwall College Saltash sport maker, Kate Bourn, has triumphed in the 2017 World Pilot Gig Championships at the Isles of Scilly.

Kate came home with a gold medal for the second year running.

Gig rowing is the fastest growing sport in the South West, with teams comprising of six rowers, one coxswain and a gig. This was Kate’s sixth World Championships with Caradon Gig Club, with the team winning gold for the second time.

’I really struggle with nerves and because we were the title holders, it created that much more pressure. Last year we were the underdogs but this year we were being gunned for,’ Kate said.

An incredible 144 ladies’ crews competed and 140 men crews from all over England, Holland and as far as America.

The conditions were tough with strong winds and choppy seas resulting in some crews having to withdraw from the competition.

‘Hearing the claxon telling us we had won was the best thing. Relief, amazement, excitement, every emotion I think we felt after that race,’ said Kate.

‘It is the most amazing feeling being World Champions again.’