A NEW sea-faring Sidmouth club is up and rowing, and has set off on a �25,000 fundraising quest.

A NEW sea-faring Sidmouth club is up and rowing, and has set off on a �25,000 fundraising quest.

The Sidmouth Gig Club is gathering members at a rate of knots and founders hope to raise the bumper cash target and have a rowing boat in the water by next summer.

If achieved, the move could see Sidmouth host a string of regattas throughout the year.

Gig Club Chairman Paul Buchanan wants Sidmouth to reap the benefits of being a part of the fastest growing maritime sport.

He said: "The sea here is under used, we are lucky to have such a good sea front, what a great place to watch this sport.

"As the club needs to raise twenty-five thousand pounds to put a Cornish Pilot Gig in the water, all and any help in fundraising will be greatly appreciated.

"With help we could have our first boat in the water next summer and enjoy the spectacle of an invitational regatta.

"If you love Sidmouth, love the sea and want to see it take part in the fastest growing maritime sport in the UK, competing at all levels, from youth teams to 'super-veterans' then please get in touch and help us put the town on the Gig Racing map."

The Gig Club already has around 40 members and is expanding fast as more than 100 people have declared an interest in joining.

Sidmouth members were invited to visit their Lyme Regis counterparts last weekend, and more than 40 supporters and have-a-go rowers from the town took up the challenge.

"The day was a great success and the generosity and enthusiasm of our hosts made it a spectacular event. It was so successful that Lyme Regis have offered to host us again and we've had invites from Weymouth, Swanage, Bristol and Teign River," said Paul.

Fundraising events, including a quiz night in November, and, a 'gig for the Gig night' in December have already been arranged.

Anyone with ideas or want to help the club can see Nigel Winchester, of Winchester & Sons, or send an email to fundraising@sidmouthgigclub.com

For more information on the club visit www.sidmouthgigclub.com.