AN important race at Pendeen in North Cornwall allowed new members of Tamar and Tavy Gig Club to get in some sea rowing practise before the World Championships in the Isle of Scillies. 

The rowers had a perfect day with wall to wall sunshine, sparkling blue sea and sky with the gigs were an eye-catching spectacle lined up on the beach.

Susan Douglass, a spokesperson for the club said: ‘It was a mixture of excitement, anticipation and fear before the first race but a fantastic experience rowing in the sea. I loved it. It took a bit of getting used to but halfway through the first race we got into our stride after a slow start.

’Nothing can beat the elation of passing another gig and finishing further up the field than where we started! Brilliant work from the cox. The training we have been doing since Christmas really paid off. There was fantastic teamwork all day – not just in the gig but catching the gig each time after a race coming in on the rough water, carrying it up the steep rocky beach and then packing it away at the end when everyone was tired.

‘It was a great opportunity to get to know club members better.’

‘All in all a memorable occasion and great training for IoS. My confidence has improved considerably.’