COTEHELE Quay Gig Club rowers hit the capital for an epic 21-mile race down the River Thames recently.

A total of 24 club members made the trip to London for the Great River Race from Millwall to Ham House in Richmond on September 6.

The logistical challenges were not limited to navigating the river as three gigs had to be towed from Cornwall and across London.

The crews painted their faces with St Piran's flags as they prepared the gigs for racing before braving the slipway where 324 boats of all different kinds were launched into the Thames.

Fiona Macinnes, event secretary, said: 'Luckily the poor weather that was forecasted failed to materialise and apart from a couple of showers the weekend was dry and sunny in parts.

'The course is 21 miles and 28 bridges. The start of the race is very choppy up to Tower Bridge. The conditions were good with a strong tide but windy in parts.

'As a rower you see London from a very different perspective. You catch sight of famous landmarks but you are past them in a flash. The City of London and Canary Wharf provide a stunning backdrop.

'There is no doubt that this is a tough race which requires determination and grit. For those rowers that race the course for the first time it feels a fantastic achievement.

'For those that have rowed it before it is still a great achievement and they know when the coxes are lying about the finish line being just around the corner. Blistered hands are a given.'

Cotehele Quay's Men's B finished the course in two hours and 31 minutes in Zeus, making them the 23rd fastest boat. The mixed crew in Cream of Cornwall took six minutes longer, placing 42nd, while the mixed team in Ginsters did a time of three hours 10 minutes and were the 218th fastest.

Cotehele Quay's rowers avoided the chaos as other teams tried to get their boats out of the water and moored up at The Swan pub to celebrate their success with other gig clubs.

Fiona thanked Jerry Lawrence for organising the club's participation in the event, and the coxes for their expertise.

Cotehele Quay has had a successful season, placing well in the Tribute Series which takes into account placings over the year. Ladies' A were 14th; Ladies' B 23rd; the Under 16s 7th; Men's A 27th and Men's B: 19th.

To find out more about the club, which is open to all aged 12 and over, visit http://www.facebook.com/cotehelequaygigclub">www.facebook.com/cotehelequaygigclub For a free taster session email Rita Hoile at [email protected]">[email protected]

Cotehele Quay welcomes competitive and social rowers of all abilities and fitness levels.