The Flushing & Mylor Open A Crew are taking on an incredible endurance challenge on 22nd March, rowing for 24 hours straight on a rowing machine to raise funds for the club’s first new gig in over a decade. Taking place at Flushing and Mylor’s gig shed, this challenge is not just a test of physical and mental resilience but a demonstration of the team’s dedication to their club and community.
The crew will take turns rowing in a relay format, with each rower completing two shifts of two hours, one during the day and one in the night. To add to the significance, they have mapped out a virtual journey covering the distance from Peter Williams’ boatshed in Fowey (where the gig will be built) to the Isles of Scilly, home of the World Pilot Gig Championships (WPGC), and back.—a staggering 320km round trip. That means each rower will effectively complete an ultra-marathon over their total four-hour row.
Meet the rowers
This determined team brings a wealth of rowing experience to the challenge:
- James – 3x WPGC rower, Cornish Barbarian Marathon Rower
- Stu – 2x WPGC rower, first year in the A crew
- Alex – 1x WPGC rower, first year in the A crew
- Steve – 4x WPGC rower
- Nathan – 6x WPGC rower
- Sam – 2x WPGC rower, 2x Cornish Barbarian Marathon Rower
Many of them have also taken on other endurance events, including the Great River Race, but even with that experience, a challenge of this length and intensity is no easy feat.
For the crew, this is more than just a physical test—it’s about giving back to the club that has shaped them as rowers. Flushing & Mylor has played a huge role in their individual journeys, and this event is a way to ensure its future remains strong. The winter months can be tough, so this challenge also helps keep them race-ready ahead of the World Pilot Gig Championships.
“The distance may be arbitrary,” James admits, “but it’s a serious challenge. Four hours of rowing, split between day and night, is no small feat. Plus, at least ergos are overhand—we know our way around them! ”
Photo credit: James Butler
A new gig for a growing club
The money raised will go towards a brand-new gig, a major milestone for Flushing & Mylor Pilot Gig Club. It has been over 10 years since the club last invested in a new gig and this boat will play a key role in keeping the club competitive and growing.
With 150+ members from Flushing, Mylor, Falmouth, Truro, and Redruth the club plays a vital role in the community. It has a long-standing partnership with Falmouth and Exeter Universities, offering students a chance to experience the sport and compete across the South West. In 2024, the club celebrated its 20 year anniversary, securing this new gig represents its continued ambition and future success of the club.
We asked the team about their training and what they expect will be the toughest part:
Steve said: “Building up to longer rows on the erg while keeping a sustainable heart rate is key. The second leg, especially for those rowing in the middle of the night, will be the toughest.”
James commented: “Definitely the second stint in the middle of the night—it’s going to be a brutal restart!”
How you can support
If you’d like to support the crew and help them reach their goal, consider donating to their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/erg-challenge
And if you’re in Flushing on the 22nd March, stop by the gig shed to cheer them on! They’ll be rowing all day and all night, and your encouragement will help keep them going.
No Comments on "FMPGC 24 Hour Erg Challenge"