Return of the gigs from IOS

Monday 24^th February, a date in the dim and distant past, the date that the first gigs left the mainland for the 2020 World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly on board the Gry Maritha.

Many things have changed since that date, not least the cancelling of the championships, but one thing has remained the same until now, some gigs that left on the 24^th have been present on the islands.

With the slight lifting of lockdown restrictions and the ability of the IOSSC to transport the gigs back to the mainland and collection of the gigs from Penzance, the first gigs will tomorrow, 23^rd May starting to return to the mainland.

Six gigs were able to be returned quickly after cancellation and before lockdown, unfortunately the weather prevented more from returning. A further twelve have spent between ten and twelve weeks in the islands. Justin, who tows the gigs around on the islands and stores prior to and after championships has been keeping a close eye on these gigs and they were moved to avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods, not ideal for a wooden boat.

So, over the next couple of weeks when you see a gig on the road, be assured that they are being collected from their extended stay on the islands due to the lockdown, not to be place in the water at this time.