Winter League Win For Boscastle & Crackington

This winter season’s Roadford Races reached an exciting conclusion on Saturday 12th April, with Boscastle & Crackington Gig Club finishing in top spot and securing the league title. Bude Gig Club followed closely in second place, and Appledore in third.

Hosted by Boscastle & Crackington for the final round, this sixth and final meeting marked the end of a fiercely contested winter series that began back in October. Eleven clubs took part across the season, racing through all weather conditions in a wide range of categories including Juniors, Novices, A and B crews, Vets, Super Vets, and Masters. The standard of racing was high throughout, with tight finishes and rising anticipation for the upcoming World Pilot Gig Championships in 2025.

Special recognition must go to the Boscastle & Crackington Women’s Super Vets, who delivered a remarkable performance—becoming the only crew across all clubs and age groups to win all six of their races across the series.

Photo credit: Boscastle & Crackington Gig Club

The league was jointly run by Bude and Boscastle & Crackington, with each club hosting three fixtures. Behind the scenes, countless hours of work from dedicated volunteers made the series a success. It was also a valuable fundraising platform: Bude are currently raising funds for a new wooden race boat, while Boscastle are working to match-fund a Sport England grant for a new training gig. The support of fellow clubs—particularly through enthusiastic tea, cake, and burger consumption—has played a vital part in moving both efforts closer to their goals.

After the previous success of the North Coast Winter League, the Roadford Races have become a cornerstone of off-season competition in North Cornwall and North Devon. The series has not only elevated the level of competitive rowing in the region but also maintained an inclusive ethos—giving junior and novice rowers valuable race experience before the summer regatta season begins.

Thanks go to the South West Lakes Trust for the kind use of Roadford Lake, an ideal all-weather venue that has once again proved central to the success of the series.

Whilst we are looking forward to a summer of racing, when the 2025/26 winter season finally arrives, with its dark nights and inclement weather, participating clubs will no doubt be grateful for another winter of close racing, camaraderie, and cake.