The BIG Regatta at Mangrove Bay

This year’s BIG Regatta, hosted by Bermuda Pilot Gig Club kicked off on 20th October, with teams from Bermuda and around the world gathering for three days of competition. Despite a challenging start on the water due to strong northeasterly winds and periodic squalls, the first day was a success, with occasional sunshine offering moments of relief. 

Sixteen teams—ten women’s and six men’s—competed in the waters off of Kings’ Point. Rowers from Yealm, Swanage, Bude, Portland, Boscastle & Crackington, Dart, and Rame were just some of the UK club representatives in attendance.

Day 1 Final Results

• Women’s Plate Final:
  • 1st Place: 3D’s
  • 2nd Place: Triangle (Mixed Crew)
  • 3rd Place: Dartmouth

• Men’s Runner-Up Final:
  • 1st Place: Able Seaman (Bermuda)
  • 2nd Place: BPGC Men’s (Bermuda)

• Women’s Runner-Up Final:
  • 1st Place: Tamar River
  • 2nd Place: Dirty Oars (Bermuda)
  • 3rd Place: Row-dacious (Bermuda)
  • 4th Place: Oars on Tour

• Women’s Final:
  • 1st Place: Seas the Day (Bermuda)
  • 2nd Place: Bude & Yealm
  • 3rd Place: 4County7

• Men’s Final:
  • 1st Place: Triangle 3
  • 2nd Place: Cox & Strokers
  • 3rd Place: Triangle 2
  • 4th Place: Triangle 1

The women’s crews from Bermuda, along with international crews Weymouth and Tamar River, displayed impressive skill, with local crews like Row-dacious, Seas the Day, and Dirty Oars giving standout performances. On the men’s side, Bermuda’s Able Seaman and BPGC Men’s Boat 1 had strong showings, while international crews such as Weymouth’s Cox & Strokers also performed well.

Top Finishers Day 1 – Mangrove Bay

Unfortunately, remnants of Tropical Cyclone Oscar and ongoing small craft warnings forced the cancellation of planned races on Day 2. The BPGC Regatta Committee quickly pivoted, organising a games and quiz day at the venue, transforming it into an indoor gathering hosted by the Dirty Oars crew. The impromptu pub-style quiz provided a chance for rowers to bond over trivia and laughter, keeping the event’s lively spirit intact despite the shift in plans.

A BPGC rower and Seas the Day crew member commented on the experience:

“The racing on Sunday was challenging and exciting for all of our rowers. Our visiting crews were bringing the heat! Many thanks to our Regatta Committee for pivoting with this unfortunate weather forecast. It’s the first time we’ve had to cancel a day of racing, but the community spirit today has been amazing.”

With weather conditions set to improve, rowers are expected to be back on the water for Friday’s events, which include helping relocate gigs to club locations around Bermuda. This part of the event adds a scenic sightseeing element, as visiting rowers experience breathtaking island views while transporting the iconic 32-foot fibreglass boats.

Steve Lock, commentator for GigRower, shared his thoughts on the regatta:

“If you fly across the Atlantic to a tiny island called Bermuda at this time of year, you’ll find dozens of familiar faces who have made the journey to participate in the three events that comprise the Bermuda Big Regatta. Some are here for the first time, while others are returning for the fourth time. Bermuda Pilot Gig Club is already planning for 2026. It’s a fantastic experience and truly a bucket-list event!”

Established in 2015, the Bermuda Pilot Gig Club is a community rowing organisation open to all ages, from 14 to 80+, offering both social and competitive rowing. The club maintains nine pilot gigs across three locations and holds regular weekly sessions. The history of pilot gig rowing in Bermuda dates back to the 1600s, when crews raced to guide ships through Bermuda’s dangerous reefs.

Today’s pilot gigs are 32-foot, six-oared fibreglass boats, continuing a proud tradition. Each gig is named after a renowned Bermuda pilot, paying tribute to the island’s rich maritime heritage.