Bude Hosts Roadford Races – Round 3

Written by Jan Keat. 

Bude Pilot Gig Club hosted a thrilling third round of the Roadford Races Winter League on Saturday, January 18th. The event brought together crews from Cornwall, Devon and beyond for the first regatta of 2025.

Despite the chilly morning, club members ensured a warm welcome for teams, setting up refreshments and creating a vibrant atmosphere for competitors and supporters alike. Alongside Bude, teams from Boscastle & Crackington Haven, Appledore, Tamar & Tavy, Torridge, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Porlock Weir, Port Isaac, Clevedon, Midland Cornish and Clovelly participated in the event. An impressive total of fourteen gigs were entered, with Appledore and Boscastle each entering two boats.

Appledore’s gig, Verbena, secured first place overall in the competition with a commanding performance across multiple categories, including the Open Masters, Open Super Vets, Open Vets, Open A, Women’s Vets and Women’s A. Appledore’s second gig, Margaret James, won the Women’s B race.

Boscastle & Crackington Haven, rowing in Jan Rogers, delivered an outstanding performance, taking second place in the competition overall. Their team celebrated first-place wins in the Women’s Super Vets and Junior races, making it a day to remember.

Bude’s gig, Barrel Rock, claimed third place after a hotly contested day. Their strong racing placed them second in the Open Super Vets, Open Vets, and Open A races. The Juniors, Open B, Women’s Vets, and Women’s A Crew also delivered stellar performances, each securing third place in their respective races.

Photo credit: G & B Gig Photography

Other first-place wins came from Ilfracombe’s gig, Hocks, which took first place in the Open B and Women’s A race.

The Novice race showcased the excitement of fresh talent, with Midland Cornish Rowing Club claiming victory in their debut competition. Boscastle & Crackington Haven’s young and enthusiastic Junior crew was thrilled with their win, closely followed by Tamar & Tavy in second and Bude in third. Well done!

The atmosphere at Roadford Lake was electric, with participants and spectators alike enjoying the camaraderie and high calibre of racing on display. Comments from attendees praised the day, with many highlighting the skill and determination of the crews as a key factor in making the event so enjoyable. After Round 3, the overall scoreboard for The Roadford Races Winter League shows a change in the top three positions with Bude moving up in third place behind Boscastle (Jan Rogers) and Appledore (Verbena).

The event could not have taken place without the dedication and hard work of the safety team and race officials. Their commitment ensured a safe and smoothly run regatta. Also, thanks to G&B Gig Photography for some great pics and videos as always. 

With another exhilarating round complete, all eyes now turn to the next event in the series, hosted by Boscastle & Crackington Haven on Saturday, February 22nd. Crews are already gearing up for what promises to be another day of exciting competition and community spirit.