COTEHELE Quay Gig Club members are celebrating their efforts at the World Pilot Gig Championships following their most successful event yet.

The team entered ten crews into ladies', men's and vet's (over 40s) races, with the men's and women's A crews coming 24th and 34th respectively in the biggest gig rowing regatta ever.

Club chairman Steve Gentry said: 'Over 50 of our members made the journey across to the Scillies to row. We had very successful championships and I am sure all of the club's rowers who took part in this fantastic event are already looking forward to next year.

'As our club continues to grow we hope we can build on this success, as we row in regattas throughout the summer."

All crews line up at St Agnes for the first race to St Mary's, with their position determining which group they end up in. They then have two races in which they can move up or down a group by coming in the top or bottom two, followed by a final which determines their ultimate position.

Ladies' C raced hard to secure a podium finish by winning Group J –taking 109th place overall. Men's B narrowly missed out, coming second in Group G.

The club now has more than 100 members who row on the Tamar by the National Trust property. Despite the large membership the club has just two racing gigs and one plastic training boat and is embarking on a fundraising drive to purchase more. The C crews had to borrow a boat to be able to take part in this year's event.

Kelly Elvidge, who coxed Men's B, said: 'I am so proud of the crew. They all tried so hard and had some real close, exciting races.

'Throughout the weekend they demonstrated great team spirit. Our main aim was to fully enjoy it and improve on last year's 86th place – mission accomplished.'

The Men's Supervets (over 50s) once again gained bragging rights after beating the club's Men's Vets crew – this time by five places.

A total of 127 men's crews and 125 women's crews took part in the 24th annual world championships, with teams travelling from as far as the Netherlands.

Cotehele Quay results: Ladies' A 34th (Group C); Ladies' B 88th (Group H); Ladies' C 109th (Group J winners).

Men's A 24th (Group B); Men's B 74th (Group G); Men's C 119th (Group J).

Ladies' Vets A 23rd; Ladies' Vets B 34th.

Men's Vets 44th; Men's Supervets 39th.