2,000 rowers competed in the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly from May 4 – 6

The men’s Pilot Gig rowing crew from Looe, in Currah’s Pride, have won the the 29th annual World Pilot Gig Championships on 4-6 May ending Falmouth’s recent dominance of the event. Caradon (Ann Glanville) were second and Falmouth (Black Rock) came third. Some 2000 rowers had gathered to compete at the world famous event with gig teams from as far away as the Netherlands and the USA.

But it’s women who now dominate in this open event with 152 crews competing compared to the men’s 148.  Caradon in their 1990 Ralph Bird-built Ann Glanville won the women’s open championship, beating Falmouth (Black Rock) and Mounts Bay (Kensa) who finished second and third respectively.

The Looe club said on Twitter: “There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to the people in Looe who supported this rowing club for so long, in reaching our goal. To be World Champions. Thank you so much!”

Anne Curnow Care, Secretary to the Cornish Pilot Gig Association, reflected on the weekend’s racing, saying: “In some of the best racing conditions for years the crews rose to the occasion.

“We had glorious sunshine for the veterans and super veterans championship on the Friday, and the Saturday for the open championships before the fog rolled in on Sunday.

“Friday night was veterans night – the super vets were first off for the women, won by Mounts Bay in their gig, Kensa, with 35 crews competing. The women’s veterans was won by Charlestown in Grace, in a 44-crew entry.

“The men’s super vets attracted 33 crews with Falmouth winning in Black Rock. The men’s veterans was won by Caradon in Ann Glanville, and had a fleet of 41 competing.

“The mass participation and seeding races on the Saturday were a spectacle for those involved and for everyone watching.”

 

Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the Championships from 3-5th May 2019 and the last time that entries will be open to all. From 2020 onwards, entries will be capped with details decided over the coming year and notified to all before the 2019 championships.

2018 (and other years’ results) are: HERE

Image: British Rowing