River Teign Hosts Round the Islands Race

River Teign Rowing Club recently hosted its annual Round the Islands event, marking yet another successful year with a record number of 29 boats participating. This event, now in its fifth year, has grown in popularity and scope, attracting rowers from across the South West, including participants from 10 Gig clubs and 6 Coastal Sculling clubs.

The race, which spans a challenging 20.5 kilometers, begins in Teignmouth and takes competitors around the three picturesque islands off the coast of Torquay: Ore Stone, Thatcher Rock, and Lead Stone. The weather on race day was nothing short of ideal, with calm seas and bright sunshine, providing perfect conditions for the early morning start.

Photo credit: Lucy Thomas

In keeping with the tradition of the event, the Round the Islands race is a pursuit race, with staggered start times based on handicaps, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. This year, the first Gig to cross the finish line was a men’s crew from Boscastle & Crackington, completing the course in an impressive time of just under two hours (1:57). However, the overall fastest time was achieved by a Coastal Quad from Carmarthen, who finished the race in a remarkable 1 hour and 44 minutes.

Photo credit: Lucy Thomas

After the race, ice pops were handed out to all crews from the safety boats—a refreshing treat that everyone greatly appreciated.

The event received glowing feedback from the participating clubs, with many praising the host club, the stunning weather, and the excellent post-race catering provided on the quay. One participant remarked, “Absolutely amazing day! So many boats from far and wide…we booked the weather and the tide, and it was perfect!” Another added, “Superb event, a very enjoyable day. Great to mix the different coastal rowing disciplines together and mingle. It was amazing. Thanks to everyone at River Teign Rowing Club. A fab day was had by all.”

The Round the Islands event first took place in 2018, starting as a fundraiser that included only seine boats and gigs from the River Teign Rowing Club. The first year’s proceeds were split, with half donated to the renal transplant unit at Derriford Hospital, where one of the club members had undergone surgery earlier that year.

Inspired by a desire to offer a unique challenge beyond the usual regatta races, the event has grown significantly, now welcoming coastal rowing clubs and gig clubs from across the region. The Round the Islands Race continues to be a highlight on the rowing calendar, bringing together diverse rowing disciplines for a day of competition and celebration on the beautiful waters of the South West coastline.