Lyme Regis gig crews were in action at the Sidmouth Regatta, writes Chris Bailey.

Despite being a relatively new club, Sidmouth hosted a well-organised event and credit must go to those who made it happen.

The day`s event was under way with the first 2 races being the Ladies A and Ladies B teams, both of which took place in the pouring rain. This, however, did not dampen their spirits and some great racing ensued. Both Lyme crews scored a creditable 5th position in their respective categories.

Following these races, the sun came out providing more pleasant racing conditions for the remainder of the afternoon.

The Men’s A race was next and the Lyme B crew finished an excellent third, holding off a challenge by the Weymouth A crew who were only 18 seconds behind them on the finish line.

Lyme entered a second B crew in a borrowed boat and finished sixth ahead of the host crew.

The race that followed was the Men’s B race and Lyme sent their C team into action. They rowed superbly to finish fifth and were just seven seconds behind Bridport B when they crossed the finishing line.

It was in the veteran category that the club gig crews really came to the fore!

The ladies’ vets crew were an impressive fourth.

The men’s vets crew made a good start and, despite a close challenge from the Weymouth crew, held on to cross the line first, finishing five seconds ahead of the field!

Last out were the mixed crews and, after a battle with Spirit of Langstone from Hayling Island, the Lyme crew in Black Ven nosed in front of them to take third spot, finishing 11 seconds ahead of the Hampshire crew.

This, again, earned the Lyme club a podium finish, sharing it with Weymouth and Bridport.

The Lyme Regis Gig Club would like to say thank you to the organisers of the Sidmouth event for making it a special day.