3 Rivers Results & Race Report – 2019

Three Rivers Race, Saltash, 2nd March 2019

Windy conditions made the going tough last Saturday, when Caradon Gig Club hosted the annual
Three Rivers Race. Over 70 gigs competed in both the men’s and ladies’ versions of a race that is as
notorious as it is rewarding. Rowing up the Tamar from the Saltash bridges to the mouth of the River
Tavy, back down to the mouth of the River Lynher and then back up to the bridges again sounds
straightforward. The race, around seven miles long in real terms, is far more of a challenge than it
might seem, though. Covering the distance isn’t the hard part; wind and tides inevitably work for,
then against the boats, sometimes driving, sometimes slackening. The change from one to the other
can come as a shock. Even without the misery of rain, this event can be a brutal physical and
psychological trial. Perhaps that’s why there are so many entries each year! Whether new or
established, local or from miles away, every crew would agree that this challenge is perhaps the best
way to find out where they really are in terms of progress towards the world championships.
So it proved this year. Looe A and Caradon A were the outstanding crews in the men’s and ladies’
events, finishing in around 47 and 57minutes respectively. While the Caradon crew purred across
the line over one minute ahead of Falmouth, Looe fought to come out on top in a race where only
23 seconds separated the top four finishers. Others may not have finished highly, but will have
gained much from knowing that they overcame failing abs, pinging hips or beaten backs to reach the
end.

Of course, travelling from London, Hampshire, the mouth of the Severn or even a few miles just to
sit in a boat and be hammered by the wind is not a great day out. Thankfully, the facilities provided
by Caradon and Saltash Sailing Club were first class. Event sponsors W.H. Bond and Sons’ amazing
plastic carpet saved Brunel Green from being ploughed by gig trailers. All made the trip more than
worthwhile.

Finally, a reminder of what Three Rivers is all about was provided when Ann Demaine presented the

Thomas Demaine Cup to Looe as winners of the men’s event. Thomas’ unexpected passing in 2015
took away an energetic member of a sporting family. Showing resilience and determination,
Thomas’ family has since raised awareness of sudden cardiac deaths in young people, with the
support of their sporting community. Caradon and many others in our gig community showed the
same values, not only in their racing but also by supporting the Demaines’ cause on Saturday too, as
can you by visiting #CRY4TOM or www.c-r-y.org.uk .

Photo courtesy of Jo Zimber

Combined Results