On the 5th may Newhaven Gig Rowing Club had their first AGM, opening of the gig clubhouse and
launch of 7 stars – Club in a box gig. This was an exciting and busy day for them.
The AGM took only an hour at the sea cadets hall. In the meeting the committee was set all roles
voted on. The Chair Nikki Tweedie covered the history and plan for what will be going on for the next
year. This involves the set up of Junior Rowing, Owning Amelie the wooden gig and saving for a 2 nd
gig. Training for regattas and world champs in the Scilly’s isles. Next AGM date has been set for June
next year.
Celebrations at the clubhouse kicked off early with amazing cakes and drinks. The whole of the area
was decorated and tidied thanks to the hard work that everyone had put in the few weeks leading
up to the big event. Seven stars, tribute gig from club in a box was driven onto the land between the
clubhouse and slip way. This gave everyone a chance to go and check out the new arrival before the
launch.
NGRC members and public were invited, along with the mayor of Newhaven June as one of here last
events before handing over to Paul. Just after 15.00 the manager Mike of Newhaven Marina and
June toasted Seven Stars, Tribute gig. She was then launched from the slip way in the marina. This
was the first opportunity NGRC have had to use the slipway since being allowed access to it and the
clubhouse. Thanks to the support from the marina management and Barron Homes. The launch
went amazingly and the first NGRC crew to row her looked over the moon. 3 other rows went out
after to get a feel and cox’s a chance to get to know this amazing gig better.
Seven stars, Tribute gig is part of Club in a box. The project has been funded by British Rowing, Sport
England and the CPGA (Cornish pilot gig association). The project aims to facilitate clubs who are in
the early stages of their development. The gig is named the Seven Stars after sponsor St Austell
Brewery’s first pub. She spent the first year at London Cornish, and now her second year of this
project she is in Newhaven.
This is an oarsome opportunity of NGRC and the local community to get out on the water and keep
this traditional style of rowing alive.
Thanks to being granted club in a box and a club house Newhaven Gig Rowing Club now are happy to
announce that they will be having a regatta starting this year on 25th August. It will be under the
name of Waterbourne. There will be a chance for novice crews from NGRC, Lewes, London Cornish,
Langstone, Hamble to name a few clubs to race from the marina to Southease. Then the race crews
from each competing club will race from Southease though the harbour, out to a buoy off Seaford
beach, before sprinting back up the harbour and across the finish line. All boats will be going off at
different time’s so you will not know who has won until later on in the day.
If you would like to know more about the regatta or join NGRC please check out their website
www.ngrc.co.uk or email admin@ngrc.co.uk
There are loads of learn to row sessions each month, once sweep stroke and maiden voyage has
been completed. Then the competent crews can book on social, race, technique, endurance,
adventure rows.
If you would like to be a stall holder at Waterbourne please email Lee on leestclair58@gmail.com
Photo’s & article courtesy of Rachel Beardsworth
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