Caradon Gig Club’s annual Three Rivers Race marked the start of the 2025 racing season in Saltash on Saturday, March 8th. This challenging 6-mile race follows a course on the river, starting north of the Tamar Bridge and going up to the mouth of the River Tavy, back down to the entrance of the River Lynher, and finally finishing south of the Royal Albert Bridge.
The event has grown significantly since it began almost 30 years ago and is a popular way for crews to assess their winter training. This year, 91 gigs from 64 clubs participated in both the Women’s and Open races, creating a lively atmosphere along the Saltash waterfront.
The weather was favorable, with a dry and sunny afternoon and a light breeze. The Women’s race began at noon with 8 heats starting at 2-3 minute intervals. Helford women, rowing ‘Helford’ won the Mark Duddridge Cup, followed by An Dhowrlann (Caradon) and Q (Fowey).
Photo credit: Charlotte Stevens
The Open race, also with 8 heats, followed. The Falmouth crew in Arwenack won the CRY4TOM Trophy, with Currah’s Pride (Looe) and An Dhowrlann (Caradon) coming in second and third. The River Teign Open crew celebrated the arrival of their brand new gig Teign Spirit by coming fourth, just 12 seconds behind Caradon.
Photo credit: Charlotte Stevens
The combined results for both Women and Open races saw Caradon win the Three Rivers Race Challenge Cup, followed by Helford River and Falmouth.
New to the event were Coxside Gig Club with Serafina (previously of Flushing & Mylor PGC) and Crantock with Ada III (previously Messack of Truro RC).
Caradon Gig Club members were thanked for their hard work in organising and running the event, along with race officials and participating clubs.
Leanne Woodward from Caradon Gig Club shared her gratitude for everyone who made the event a success: “A massive thank you must go to the members of Caradon Gig Club who put in many hours of work in the run up to the event, on race day and the clear up operation afterwards, to make this event as organised and successful as possible. Thank you also to all the race officials and of course, to all the Club’s and crews that continue to support this event. We hope everyone had a great day both on and off the water”.
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