Nine gig racing clubs from across the region competed at the Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta on Sunday, writes Jeremy Cloke.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta. Both Sidmouth gigs and the juniors.Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta. Both Sidmouth gigs and the juniors. (Image: Archant)

Rowers from Appledore, Bridport, Exmouth, Langstone, Lyme Regis, Portland, Swanage and Weymouth joined Sidmouth as we took our turn to host the Jurassic League event.

In glorious sunshine, racing started at 11am (being brought forward to finish in time for England’s World Cup final!).

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta. Both Sidmouth gigs and the juniors.Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta. Both Sidmouth gigs and the juniors. (Image: Archant)

Crews rowed around a kite-shaped course laid by starter and umpire James Hutchings, with safety boat duties kindly provided by volunteers in the sailing club RIBs.

Races proved to be keenly contested in all events with some very close finishes. Bridport Gig Club caught the eye, winning seven race categories and taking home the eventual overall Regatta Winners’ Trophy.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta. Both Sidmouth gigs and the juniors.Sidmouth Gig Club Jurassic League Regatta. Both Sidmouth gigs and the juniors. (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth entered its largest ever contingent of rowers with two crews entered in most events.

Perhaps our most pleasing moment of the day was the Junior Under-16 race, where we entered two crews for their first-ever gig race, and who literally only started rowing six weeks ago.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

They showed real grit and consistency with one boat coming second and the other taking third place.

The regatta is becoming increasingly known as one of the friendliest on the Jurassic League circuit and thanks must go to all the club members who worked tirelessly to make sure the event ran so successfully.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon HornSidmouth Gig Regatta. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Picture: Simon Horn)