Vets Champs for Pilot Gig Rowing

This weekend is a big one in the calendar of Cornish Pilot Gig rowing, as team head to Brixham for the Vets Championships.

Vets or 'Veterans' crews only include rowers over the age of 40 years old. Racing on the day will include Open and Women's categories. 

More than 25 gig clubs are taking part with crews from across Cornwall and Devon being joined by others from Dorset, Somerset, Bristol and London, all will be hoping for success at Brixham’s Breakwater beach on Saturday. 

Last year's Men's winners were Caradon B, who caused quite a stir by defeating their fellow club members Caradon A. Caradon A finished in second place and Dart Gig Club came third, flying the flag for Devon.

In the 2023 Women's final, Charlestown Rowing Club were victorious, followed by Newquay and Caradon but Devon clubs were well represented with Cattewater, River Teign, Dart and Appledore all in the top ten.

Amy Plowman, Club Captain, Brixham Gig Club said: “We are delighted to bring so many competitors from across the country to Devon. Brixham is a great venue for racing and the Breakwater provides a natural viewing platform for spectators to enjoy the action.” 

Gigs are 32 foot long traditionally built open wooden boats rowed by six crew and steered by a coxswain. The sport has grown enormously since its revival in the 1980s, there are now eight thousand rowers in 90 clubs spread across the UK, with more in Europe and America.

Dylan Jane from the CPGA said: “The Vets age groups is one of our most competitive categories with a significant fleet of experienced and skilled rowers. We can't wait to see these colourful boats, so rich in heritage racing off the south Devon coast this weekend.”

Teams competing this weekend 
Appledore
Barnstaple
Boscastle & Crackington
Bridport
Bristol
Brixham
Bude
Caradon
Cattewater Plymouth
Charlestown
Cotehele
Dart
Exmouth
Falmouth
Hayle
Ilfracombe
London Cornish
Looe
Mount’s Bay
Newquay
Padstow
Paignton
Porlock Weir
Porthleven
Portishead
River Fowey
River Teign
Salcombe
St Goran
The Royal Marines
Weymouth