A BIG Finale!

The Bermuda Pilot Gig Club (BPGC) wrapped up its fourth Bermuda International Regatta with stunning weather and thrilling competition, as local and international crews gathered in St George’ s to showcase their skill and teamwork. Despite the setback caused by Oscar’s stormy remnants, which forced the cancellation of the second race day, the event demonstrated the strength and unity of the international rowing community.

Reflecting on the support that powered the event, Laura Lyons from the organising team shared, “The BPGC extends deep thanks to its event sponsors, with special gratitude to The Bermuda Tourism Authority, primary sponsor, as well as Chubb, Axis, Sticks and Stones, Paragon Brokers, Butterfield & Vallis, and Belco. Thanks also to John Barritt & Son for keeping everyone hydrated and to William Lawrence of Boatport for providing a floating dock on our final day in St. George’s. A heartfelt salute goes to all rowers, including Bermuda’s own from Spanish Point, St. George’s, and Boaz Island, along with 70 participants from the UK, representing Yealm, St. Agnes, Weymouth, Bude, Dartmouth, Clevedon, Swanage, Boscastle & Crackington, Tamar River, West London, and London Cornish.”

In stark contrast to Friday’s challenging conditions in Mangrove Bay, Sunday brought clear skies and calm waters to St. George’s Harbour. The rowers received well-deserved applause for their outstanding performances throughout the day.

Saturday’s St. George’s Sprint Finale (1,500 metres)

Women’s Results

1. Top Finishers: Seas The Day – Hillary Williams, Hattie Armstrong, Joanne Rogers, Pam Mahoney, Alex Amat, Laura Lyons, with Cox Dave Stubbs
2. Runners-Up: Tamar River – Christie Ash, Evie Burfoot, Claire-Louise Burke, Angela Copeland, Clare Lanyon-Webb, Leonie Timmins, with Cox Jerry Boaden
3. Plate Winners: The Dirty Oars – Julia Hawkins, Nina Paton, Thespina Rose, Hatty Stuckes, Ruth Sudlow, Sandra Touschner, with Cox Roger Gillett

Photo credit: Bermuda Pilot Gig Club

Men’s Results

1. Top Finishers: Triangle 3 – Simon Burke, Leigh Morden, James Neep, Robert Jeffrey, Rob Guy, Steve McArdle, with Cox Jody Dennett
2. Runners-Up: Triangle 1 – Christopher Hastings, Gary Phillips, Roger Woolridge, Andrew Jackson, Jerry Boaden, Ian Fulton, with Cox Richard Hudson

Photo credit: Bermuda Pilot Gig Club

Rower from Seas the Day, Alex Amat captured the feeling of the day: “All our hard work paid off as we fought through each race, facing incredibly strong teams. We stayed focused, trusted our cox, and pushed hard. Exhausted, but so thrilled!”

Chris Hardy, Chair of the BPGC International Regatta Committee, shared his appreciation for the enduring spirit of the event: “This regatta truly underscored the camaraderie in our rowing community. The dedication of volunteers and the generous support from our sponsors made this event possible. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in 2025!”

To find out more about Bermuda Pilot Gig Club and the BIG Regatta 2024, click here. Plans for the BIG Regatta 2025 are already underway, so if you or your club would like to get involved, click here for additional details.