Crews line up in Plymouth Sound to race.
There are several classes and heats, this is one of the womens "A" heats.
The start flag is dropped.
the gigs line up on the beach.
Pilot Gigs were originally used to take Pilots out to vessels coming into port. The first crew out from the harbour got the job!.
Every Gig design is based on traditional measurements and they are constructed using specifications laid down by the Peters family in 1838 for the gig Treffry. This gig is still rowed by the Newquay Rowing Club.
A club may have one or more gigs. They are crewed by teams of mem, women, mixed, veterans, under 16 and under 14s.
As one team finished their race and returns to the beach the next crew is ready to take over.
There is just enough room on the beach for the Cremyl / Cawsand ferry.
the course takes the gigs out towards Fort Picklecombe.
a short cross leg before turing the bouys.
and the race back to the finish line.
Here are more images from the various heats.
You can read more about the Cornigh polot gigs here.
