The first World Pilot Gig Championships (lovingly referred to as the Champs) was held in 1990. It has grown from a few clubs attending in 1990 to 78 clubs this year. Approximately 415 crews descended on the islands with 125 gigs fitted onto two beaches. There are two main courses St Agnes, a 3.2k free-for-all where all boats race for their place in the tiered system. Nut Rock, a shorter 2k race which crews will do between one and three times, is run in approximately 10 boat stints. Races include men’s and women’s super-vets (only over 50s), men’s and women’s vets (only over 40s) and open races. This year ARC entered women’s and men’s vets and men’s and women’s open races with crew from the open crews racing in both. Some of the men and women racing up to six times over the three days showing what a hard-core bunch they are.
Twenty one ARC members travelled to (and from) the Scillies by car, plane, train, boat (the Scillonian, aka Chunderbucket) and in true ninja style Conrad, with members from another club, chartered a fishing rig (aka Chunderbucket II) in desperation to get across to St Marys in poor visibility to race the same morning.
The first three days were beset with fog and mist meaning racing was hampered at times. On a number of occasions the races were held off with the hope that the fog would lift. Miraculously it generally did, going from thick fog to clear, however one men’s open race was cancelled and during another race safety boats were used to guide racing crews back to harbour for safety. Pippa was easing herself into coxing at the Scillies with a men’s open heat which was one of the races cancelled due to fog. This was disappointing but spurred an eagerness to race cox more in the future. Fleetingly on Saturday and almost all of Sunday, the fog shroud lifted, sun streamed down and the absolute beauty of the islands became visible.
The atmosphere of the whole weekend was positive, exciting, connecting, and supportive. There are obviously strong competitive vibes, crews have worked hard and want to win, and there is still acknowledgement and support of others. During the women’s vets we raced with another crew in Watch and Pray during both the St Agnes and Nut Rock races – one time we passed them and one time we didn’t. When we beat them Nikki’s support for us during this race was low-key very positive, whilst also respectful to a team who was working really hard. At the end of the race as we crossed the finish line they cheered us and we cheered them, true sportsmanship. The races are really hard work and everyone knows it.
An important acknowledgement is to the coxes. Cat coxed all three of the men’s vets races. Her first experience of coxing at the Scillies began with the St Agnes race began, where all men’s vets crews row together. The start of the race began with oars clashing with others boats as they fought for position – this takes a lot of courage and deserves acknowledgement. The men’s vets won their heat of the Nut Rock race steaming across the line with a clear lead. 2023 was Austin’s second Scillies and he was ready and prepared following his first experience in 2022. The women’s open maintained their position in the league, and worked their glutinous maximus’ off. Nikki coxed both the men’s open and the women’s vets – five races – but also behind the scenes created racing plans every week to support crews to develop and build power in their rowing. This was a huge job over months which took time, thought, effort and commitment whilst moving and settling into her new home and life. To her we would like to say an enormous thank you and how grateful we are for all your work.
Comments