WPGC2023 – Round Up

The 32nd World Pilot Gig Championships took place on April 28 – 30 2023 and go without needing an introduction. The WPGC Committee partnered with Islands Partnership this year, with registration support from the CPGA, to host a spectacular weekend of racing on the Isles of Scilly, attracting clubs from across the UK, the Netherlands and the United States.

The days leading up to the Champs were peppered with conflicting emotions; an excited hum throughout the community as the biggest event of the gig rowing calendar loomed paired with anticipation as those attending and spectating from afar closely watched the weather forecasts with baited breath. 

 

Spectators making their way to the islands faced a testing start to the weekend, with fog wreaking havoc on travel plans on Thursday and Friday, grounding all flights and causing delays to scheduled crossings on the Scillonian. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, who sprung into action supporting those whose journeys had been affected, and with the help of private ribs and tripper boats (some who journeyed from St Ives to offer last minute crossings), most arrived in time for the Friday afternoon races, notwithstanding the occasional bout of seasickness thanks to choppy waters.

The races were fiercely contested, with teams pushing their limits and throwing their oar… sorry, all into the competition. As the athletes showcased their strength, endurance, and precise coordination, several races saw neck-and-neck battles, creating an electrifying atmosphere for spectators watching from the Quay and also via the online GigRower live stream.

 

Against the stunning backdrop of the islands, shrouded in sea mist and fog, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as teams prepared to battle for glory across the 3 categories of Vets, Super Vets and Open races, desperate to not let weather conditions get in the way of a winning weekend.

This year’s safety provision at the event was increased, with a greater presence on the Quay and support from shore and water-based medical teams present across the event. Thankfully, medical incidents were at a minimum and those that did occur were only rated as minor.

 

Let’s dive into the highlights and memorable moments of this year’s championships.

 

 

Racing Fever engulfed the Islands

With some competitors still making their way to the Islands, a foggy start to the weekend left crews eagerly awaiting a signal to head out to the start line. Following the completion of the Vet’s Coxes meeting, the Women’s Vets and Super Vets races commenced, with fierce competition as the crews barreled down the course as visibility continued to improve. It was a battle for the lead in the Super Vets race between Morgawr followed by Ictis, Swift and An Dhowrlann as the finish line approached.

 

As the day went on, the Women’s Vets and Super Vets Nut Rock round 2 unfolded. Both were well fought, with the Women’s Super Vets providing much excitement with a close finish for the top spot. As the race was drawing to a close, the visibility was proving to be more challenging, our GigRower team reporting on tough spectator conditions as the boats approached St Mary’s. A curtain of fog fell over the islands followed by a call to cancel the Men’s Vets and Super Vets round 2 due to low visibility, bringing an abrupt end to day 1. 

 

Back at Town Beach on Saturday morning, foggy conditions yet again greeted competitors and spectators whilst everyone eagerly awaited the call for the day of racing to commence. Over the tannoy came the decision to cancel the Women’s Vets and Super Vets finals, with the ranking from the races the day prior to stand as the final results. 

 

As the morning was creeping on, a rapturous cheer came from the competitors waiting eagerly on Town Beach as it was announced that the Saturday morning’s Men’s Super Vets and Vets races were to run as planned, with the results from Group A acting as the Final for each category.

The conditions remained clear for the remainder of the day to allow the Open Heats to get underway. Travel chaos was all but forgotten as the first crews lined up at the start of the St Agnes race, the mile long start line stretching out across the water and the magnificent spectacle as the sound of oars slicing through the water reverberated across the Isles of Scilly. The crew from St Mary’s in Golden Eagle were keen to provide entertainment as the competitors awaited the call to line up to begin the race.

 

The energy was fierce as the crews in the St Agnes Men’s Open battled down the course towards the Quay. Competition was made interesting when the crew in St Elvin lost their rudder on the final stretch of the course, leading to a pile up, ravelling crews in Arveth, Pulpit Rock, Faith and Arrow as they approached the line, lifting oars up in the air to escape the tangle.

 

Sunday morning arrived along with further cancellations due to the fog, and with all boats grounded at Town and Porthmellon beaches, the crowds yet again patiently waited for news of the afternoon. It was decided that should the conditions improve, breaking tradition, the Men’s Final would be run first with the Women’s Final to follow. 

 

With anticipation high on the final day of racing, the fog began to lift and the Men’s Final was set to go ahead, blue sky breaking through as the crews made their way to the start line. The Open finals, run from group J/K to A, famously end with a raft up in the harbour, with those who crossed the line first resuming their place until all boats have crossed the line. Tripper boats following the course closely created a wash that added extra challenge to the crews competing for a podium place.

Spectators lined the shores and the quay, cheering on their team mates to the soundtrack of the GigRower Stream Team commentary, contributing to the contagious enthusiasm that permeated the event as we turned to the final race of the Championships.

 

Once the boats had returned to shore from the Men’s raft up, it was the Women’s turn to head out to the start line under bright blue skies and over crystal clear water. The final race of the weekend was well fought, with wake from the tripper boats yet again testing the crews.

 

The atmosphere was electric as the final crews crossed the line and joined the raft up.

 

Celebrations were swiftly underway back on dry land with the presentation ceremony on Holgate’s Green marking the conclusion of another fantastic year.

 

 

Volunteering

 

This year’s event was supported by a team of volunteers who generously gave their time to support the WPGC Committee. The volunteers resumed a number of roles, marshalling the road, beach, Quay and in the Tunnel.

 

‘’A huge thank you to all the fantastic volunteers who charitably gave up their time over the weekend to aid the event’s success in 2023! 

 

As it was the first year running an official volunteer program for WPGC, we greatly appreciate all those who were involved and were willing to help. 

 

We are looking forward to reviewing and streamlining the volunteer processes for 2024, making an even more enjoyable and put together experience for all involved.  Keep an eye out for more information over the summer!’’

 

Anna, Event Coordinator, WPGC and IP

 

Streaming Live

 

The GigRower Stream Team were out in full force across the Championships weekend. You can meet them here.

 

The GigRower Stream Team were out on the water each day, working tirelessly to bring live coverage of each race to the GigRower Facebook page. The commentary could also be heard over the tannoy at Holgate’s Green to keep shore-based spectators updated with the race progress.

 

If you want to rewatch the races, you can catch them all on the GigRower Facebook page (we suggest using the in-page search feature to find them!).

 

The team were blown away by your messages of support to your friends and loved ones across the weekend, and were incredibly grateful for the kind comments about how much you enjoyed staying tuned with all the latest from the Championships.

 

Celebrating Community and Spectator Involvement

 

While the races took centre stage, the Championships were more than just rowing competitions. The event provided an opportunity for the local community and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoying live music including a performance from Tom Cary in Jack’s on the Friday night, filling the local eateries, and a range of family-friendly activities such as the Isles of Scilly museum. 

 

Monday 1st May also marked the 30th annual Isles of Scilly vs Rest of the World rugby match, where the sun was beating down on the Garrison Field as the teams gathered for a 10:30am kick off. The match was well attended by spectators and aside from one player injury, an excellent competition was fought by all, with sales of hoodies and shirts going towards funding junior rugby on the Islands.

 

Finished for another year

The World Pilot Gig Championships 2023 showcased the enduring appeal of the Cornish pilot gig tradition and the remarkable athleticism of the participants. Against the stunning backdrop of the Islands, teams from around the world demonstrated their prowess, leaving spectators both near and afar in awe and inspiring future generations of gig rowers. 

 

As the sun set on this year’s event, the Championships once again reinforced their position as a commemoration of the best of our sport, bringing together community, sportsmanship and the art of perseverance and competitive spirit in a truly unforgettable celebration.

 

Thanks to Weymouth Gig Club for some images submitted: