Falmouth Spring Regatta

On Saturday the 16th of March, clubs from the Carrick Roads and the surrounding area met at Restronguet Sailing Club to participate in a series of practice race pieces. The event, hosted by Falmouth Pilot Gig Club, was aimed at preparing experienced crews and coxes for the World Pilot Gig Championships in May.

Following a slight delay due to fog, the racing started with the Men’s Vets, Super Vets and Masters followed by the Women’s Vets, Super Vets and Masters. The race started at Penarrow foreshore and continued toward Messack. After a short break crews raced back to the shoreline. 

Men’s Vets, Super Vets and Masters
Falmouth clinched the top spot in the Vets category winning both heats. Roseland fought fiercely for first place in the Men’s Super Vets, while Flushing & Mylor showcased their dominance as the fastest Masters crew.

Women’s Vets, Super Vets and Masters
There was some tough competition between the senior Women’s crews at this event. Porthleven proved the fastest of the Vets crews while Mount’s Bay Super Vets secured victory, closely followed by Helford.  

As the wind picked up, conditions became more challenging for the Men’s and Women’s Open crews, as they each took part in three separate pieces. 

Men’s Open Race 1
In the first round, Falmouth took an early lead leaving Helford and Cadgwith fighting for second place. Helford who crept out in front and finished second and Cadgwith to crossed the finish line in third place.

Men’s Open Race 2
The second piece was a similar story for Falmouth who took another early lead but this time it was Charlestown and Falmouth Men’s B in contention for second and third. With a surge of determination Charlestown crossed the finish line in second, closely followed by Falmouth Men’s B in third place. 

Men’s Open Race 3
The final leg was once again won by Falmouth, who had a great overall performance. Truro  were hot on their heels finishing in second place followed by Falmouth Men’s B who crossed the line in third.

Women’s Open Race 1
Helford asserted their dominance from the beginning of the race. Falmouth, in Dew of the Sea, secured second place with Mount’s Bay following closely behind.

Women’s Open Race 2
In the second race, Helford gained control from the beginning and maintained a comfortable lead to the finish line. In another fierce battle for second place, Falmouth, in Dew of the Sea led, finishing just ahead of Mount’s Bay in third.

Women’s Open Race 3
Helford once again demonstrated their speed in the final leg, crossing the finish line in first place. Falmouth, in Dew of the Sea, led Mounts’ Bay once more to the finish line.

Michelle Hares of Falmouth Gig Club said, “After the racing came to an end, crews made their way to the Falmouth’s Gig Shed for Ann’s Pasties and live music from Straight Fire. It was the perfect way to end a rewarding day! We would like to thank Penryn and Devoran for loaning boats, to Ann’s Pasties for making sure everyone was fueled and St Ives Beer for keeping the party going late into the evening”.