Autumn Spirit At The Tamar Challenge

On 12th October, Cotehele Quay Gig club hosted its annual Tamar Challenge, bringing together 18 hardy crews for this endurance event. The day kicked off with a vibrant atmosphere as teams arrived, unloading their boats and rowing out to the pontoon in preparation for the start. Armed with coffee and cake from the local café, participants were ready for a demanding day of racing.

The Tamar Challenge featured staggered starts, with crews setting off based on their category. At 11am the first crew, a Women’s Vets team, launched into the water, followed by the last team, an Open A crew. All competitors faced the same challenge: an 8-mile race along the River Tamar, returning to Cotehele Quay.

Photo credit: Cotehele Quay

The weather was perfect—sunny yet comfortably cool, ideal for long-distance rowing. 

Sheila Snellgove, Cotehele Quay Gig Club Chair, commented: “The Tamar Challenge is a unique opportunity to row up the Tamar and experience its character, history, and beauty. Unlike in previous years when it’s been wet, cold, and blowing a hoolie, we were so lucky to have beautiful weather, and crews got a chance to see where they were going.”

Crews began by navigating the Saltash straight, rounding the bend after Weir Quay. As they passed Pentillie and Halton Quay, the home stretch for the Cotehele Quay commenced, and the competition heated up. Open crews began overtaking some of the women’s and vets’ crews, igniting a fierce battle for first place.

As the boats rounded the final corner, they were greeted by cheering spectators lining the quay, creating an electric atmosphere. Caradon Open A was the first crew to cross the finish line, followed by Cotehele Quay Open Vets in second place, and Tamar and Tavy Open Vets in third. Once all the crews had finished, race officials adjusted the timings based on each crew’s start time, revealing the overall results: Caradon Open A claimed first place, Yealm Open A took second, and Caradon Open B secured third.

Andy Wiltshire, a new member and competitor in the event, shared his thoughts: “I thought the event on the whole was fantastic. I liked the longer row, and it was a good chance to see some of the Tamar we do not often get to see. As it’s the only pursuit race I’ve ever taken part in, it was exciting catching and overhauling the boats that started before us. The event felt really well organised, from the teams launching and recovering at both ends to the food and drink back at Cotehele.”

The event didn’t end at the finish line. After the race, crews from various clubs enjoyed cakes, caught up with friends, and celebrated the day’s achievements. During the awards ceremony, Club Chair Sheila Snellgove expressed gratitude to all who participated, thanking the clubs and members who made the event possible.

As the day drew to a close, Cotehele Quay Gig Club extended heartfelt thanks to all the clubs in attendance and the members who supported the event. Emily Bolton from Cotehele Quay Gig Club shared, “It’s always amazing to see so many gig boats on the river and crews from as far away as Lyme Regis. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the Tamar Challenge 2025!”