Sidmouth Gig Club took two crews and a loyal group of supporters to the Gig Racing Regatta at Lyme Regis

Cornish Gig racing regulations only permit wooden boats built to specifications to compete in regatta races, so being unable to enter Alma, the GRP training boat, Sidmouth borrowed a wooden gig for the men’s and ladies’ events, courtesy of the Lyme Club. Rowing against four foot waves and a stiff wind in an unfamiliar boat proved to be a useful taster for open sea gig racing in the future.

After a disappointing start, the men’s crew fought back strongly, holding their own to finish fifth in their heat. After literally only stopping to draw breath, they then had to row back in their second race for those not qualifying for the final! This time the men had a solid start and “surfed” home with the wind and swell behind them, beating Clevedon to come third.

Due to illness on the day, the ladies team had not rowed together as a crew before the race. With some clubs fielding an A and B team, racing was always going to be tough.

Nevertheless, the A team ladies started well, riding the waves and digging in to come fifth in their heat. Once again this meant a brief respite and discussion about sore parts of the anatomy, before their return race, where they clung on once again, showing real spirit to finish fifth.

These are early days for the gig club in terms of regatta racing, but if the club spirit shown by rowers and cheering supporters on the “Cobb” is anything to go by, the future looks bright.