Three Rivers Race 2024

The start of the season brought sunshine and smiles at the Three Rivers Race on Sunday.

 

First held in 1991 with just 5 gigs, it is now one of the largest regattas of the gig racing season. Caradon Gig Club hosted 98 gigs, with a total of  198 crews racing across both categories. 

The Three Rivers Race is a great preliminary regatta which gives crews an opportunity to showcase the results of their commitment to training over the winter season.

The gruelling 6 mile race begins on the River Tamar under the Tamar Bridge, a historical landmark that connects Cornwall to Devon. The course continues up stream to the River Tavy,where gigs turn two marks and head back down stream, under the bridge to the River Lynher where gigs turn another two marks before heading back towards the bridge and the finish line.

Due to the time of year, this race often takes place in challenging weather conditions, but this year, the conditions couldn’t have been better for participating crews.

There were three trophies up for grabs this year. 

 

Fastest Women’s crew: Mark Duddridge Cup 

Donated by Samworth Brothers in memory of Mark, a Caradon rower, economic leader and community champion.

 

Fastest Men’s crew: CRY4TOM Trophy 

Donated by Ann Demaine in memory of her son, Thomas, raising awareness of cardiac risk in young adults.

 

Gig with the fastest Women’s and Men’s COMBINED time: Three Rivers Challenge Cup

 

 

There was some very close racing in both the men’s and women’s categories.

First off the startline was Heat 1 of the women’s races. Out of the 98 women’s crews that crossed the finish line, it was Caradon in An Dhowrlann who were the fastest, in a time of 48:37, winning the Mark Duddridge Cup. Fowey in Q finished in second place with a time of 49:18, 30 seconds behind them was Coverack in Morah finishing third. 

The men’s race was an exciting test of endurance as the top four crews finished within 38 seconds of each other. Caradon, Looe, Coverack and Falmouth fought hard to the line but it was Falmouth in Black Rock who finished first in a time of 45:01, winning the CRY4TOM Trophy. Coverack in Morah finished second in a time of 45:23,  just 10 seconds behind them was Looe in Currah’s Pride who secured third place. 

 

Caradon’s success continued as they won the Three Rivers Challenge Cup, having the gig with the fastest women’s and men’s combined time. 

 

 

Winner and event organiser Leanne Woodward shared her thoughts:

 

“Running an event the size of the Three Rivers Race requires a great deal of organisation and work from all our club members in the weeks running up to and the days following the event. The buzz and atmosphere with so many of our gig rowing friends and rivals in one place on the mainland is amazing. 98 boats on the water in great rowing conditions makes all the hard work worthwhile. Next year we want to reach the 100 gig mark! 

 

I also rowed in the winning ladies crew; It was almost a relief to be rowing to take a break from the organisation! But to win on home water is always special.

 

To take the overall combined win, as well as the results of our other crews across the board, when also running the event, is a credit to the depth and camaraderie of our club.”

 

Well done to Caradon for hosting such a great event. 

 

We are excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds.