Gigs Under Sail

With members of our community preparing to row and sail a Bantry Bag Gig on the River Fowey in August, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on the sailing heritage of the Cornish Pilot Gig. 

Under sail, early gigs could save their crews effort by relying on the wind to cover distances with their cargo. 

“In our talks we heard about gigs that had gone on smuggling trips to France and Cornwall and were lost with all hands… On one occasion five pilots decided to make a smuggling trip to France in a gig called the Bull. A carpenter in the crew was asked to repair the stern sheets before  the trip started. This he did but he would not go on the trip because his wife was due to be confined. The last seen of this gig and her crew was a sight of her sailing with her mizzen rigged on her mainmast. She vanished in Smith Sound between Annet and St Agnes in a heavy sea after she had obviously had her lug carried away. The only piece of the Bull ever picked up was her repaired stern sheets.”

The Pilot Gigs of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, RHC Gillis

Not all adventures under sail have ended in disaster! Until recently sailing races were held on the Isles of Scilly as part of the World Pilot Gig Championship weekend.

Image courtesy of the Ralph Bird Collection

The Pilot Widows Trust was started in 1798 for the relief of widows of pilots lost at sea from gigs and cutters. 

The aims of the charity were altered in the 90’s to include the widows of local fisherman and it now also supports the purchase of safety equipment, such as Personal Locator Beacons, for local fisherman.

The Pilot Widows Trophy was established in 1998 to celebrate 200 years of the Trust, and commemorates those pilots lost at sea and their families. For many years the Pilot Widows race took place on the Monday of the World Championship weekend and had the following winners:

1999 – Royal from Truro

2000 – Ryder , Looe

2001 – Fear Not, Devoran

2002 – Ryder, Looe

2004 – Morvoran – Zennor

2005 – Royal, Truro

2006 – Royal, Truro

2008 – Royal, Truro

2009 – Nornour, Scilly

2011 – Slippen, Scilly

2012 – Helford, Helford

2013 – Fear Not, Devoran

The CPGA have launched a survey to find out how many gigs are currently rigged for sail and to understand if there is community appetite for sailing events. To share your thoughts please complete this form.