Intense Competition at the World Pilot Gigs World Championships: A Preview

The World Pilot Gig Championships are back on the Isles of Scilly, and the competition is heating up as hundreds of gig rowers from Cornwall, the UK, and Europe gather for the 33rd edition of the event. With 441 crews signed up to compete, the stakes are high as teams battle it out across eight classes, including supervets and masters.

The defending champions, Looe’s Men’s A crew in ‘Currah’s Pride’ and the Helford A crew in ‘Morgawr’ for the women, will be looking to maintain their titles in what promises to be an exciting weekend of racing.

New gigs will also make their debut at this year’s championships, with St Agnes Gig Club unveiling their first new gig in over a century. The ‘Cetewayo’, built by Patrick Bird, is set to make a splash and further cement the popularity of gig racing on the island.

With more women’s crews than men’s this year, including the Charlestown Ladies B crew, the competition is sure to be fierce. Vicky Bird, the cox of the Charlestown crew, highlighted the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with gig rowing, making it a sport like no other.

As the championships kick off, all eyes will be on the historic Town Beach on St Mary’s, where the action will unfold over the weekend. Organizers are hoping for better weather this year after last year’s fog caused travel disruptions, but regardless, the spirit of competition and tradition of gig rowing will shine through on the Isles of Scilly. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and results from the World Pilot Gig Championships.