WEST DEVON gig clubs Tamar and Tavy and Cotehele Quay competed in the Three Rivers Race at Saltash with clubs competing from as far away as Bristol and Weymouth.

The race follows a course of 6 miles of the Tamar river, starting at the Tamar bridge. The race begins with a long haul upstream to the mouth of the Tavy, cutting across to where the Tamar flows upstream to Weir Quay, back down under the bridge to the mouth of the Lynher and back upstream to the finish.

Cotehele Quay Gig Club entered two teams, ladies A and men's A, launching their gig 'The Cream of Cornwall.

The Cotehele ladies had a powerful start and the first bouy turn went well but at the second bouy turn got caught up in choppy conditions; by the turn they overtook three boats in the race to the mouth of the Lynher. They battled with Rame and Weymouth, edging ahead and then being overtaken. At the Tamar Bridge, encouraged by their supporters they got ahead of Rame and Weymouth. Urged on by cox Dave Clarke they finished 25th out of 39 boats

The men's A crew had a tough race in choppy water and although disappointed with their position they know that as a full squad they have potential to do well in the World Championships in May.

If you are interested in having a go at gig rowing please contact Cotehele Quay Gig Club on the website cqgc.org.uk

Tamar and Tavy Gig Club were once again in the mix in the Three Rivers Race at Saltash with two ladies teams and a men's crew.

The cox in each boat had a very testing time with the very strong winds and fast water

For a few members it was their first competitive race and enjoyed the 'graft' that had to be put in, just to complete the course!  The results had the ladies A finish in 34th and the ladies B in 39th out of 39.  The men came 32nd out of 36.

For more information on Tamar and Tavy Gig Club go to http://www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk">www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk