On Saturday 31st May, the CPGA Mixed Championships left the familiar banks of the Tamar and headed to the Jurassic Coast, with a new format Mixed Grand Prix, hosted by Weymouth Gig Club. Set against the striking backdrop of Weymouth Bay and the bustling harbour, this new-look championship delivered thrilling racing, determined crews, and a festival atmosphere that carried on long after the final stroke was pulled.
In a twist to the usual format, all categories—U25s, Seniors, Vets, Super Vets, and Masters— would race together throughout the day, rather than in separate age-specific heats. This meant that every race was likely to feature a mix of crews from different categories, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability. The format, echoing that of the Junior International Championships in October, was designed to create a more competitive atmosphere, allowing clubs to compete against a wider range of opponents, and delivering closely fought races from start to finish.
The day began under a thick blanket of early morning fog, with poor visibility delaying proceedings. Crews, spectators, and officials waited patiently as the racing buffs gradually emerged from the mist. Once visibility improved, racing got underway – but an hour behind schedule.
Photo credit: Will Patton
As the day progressed, a packed schedule and challenging changeovers in the harbour led to overruns. In addition, the wind picked up through the day, draining drone batteries and freshening conditions for crews. In response, organisers made the call to curtail Round 3.
Masters: The Masters category was awarded based on Round 2 results, with 4 Masters crews in Heat F battling it out for the podium spots. In the end Barnstaple took the Masters title in Volante, with Weymouth a few lengths behind in Whitford and Bridport in Teylu taking third place ahead of Brixham.
Super Vets: Changes to the format resulted in three Round 3 Finals, which determined the podium places for the remaining categories. In Group C, third place Super Vet medals were secured by Salcombe in Winspit and by Brixham in Goose, storming across the finish line to win both the race and secure second place. Dart Super Vets started the Group B Final assured of their Mixed Super Vet title.
Vets: As the only Vets crew in the Group B Final, Padstow were guaranteed third place, nevertheless they pushed hard, tussling with their Senior A crew up the first leg. The Group A Final saw a Vets head to head between Charlestown and Appledore, with both crews holding their own against the Senior crews in the top heat. Charlestown, in Irene, pulled ahead of Appledore in their own boat Whitford, on the first leg and kept their lead over their rivals throughout to secure their Vets title and finishing a strong fourth overall. Appledore, still in touch with the frontrunners, finished six overall, securing second place medals.
Photo credit: Will Patton
Senior: Having finished in first place in Group B during Round 2, Newquay jumped off the start-line in Florence. Coverack, winners of Group A in Round 2 responded in Winspit, from the inside berth. Two thirds of the way up the first leg, Falmouth in Tristan were in the running to be lead boat but before the first mark Coverack pushed ahead and led the way until the finish line to secure the title, with Falmouth in second and Newquay just behind in third place
While Weymouth Gig Club faced some logistical challenges in their first year running the Championships, the event team rose to the challenge and the day offered valuable learning opportunities on and off the water.
Liam Patton of Weymouth Gig Club reflected on the weekend:
“It’s been a huge effort from so many people, and we’ve learnt a great deal this year. A massive thank you to all the volunteers who kept things moving, to Weymouth Sailing Club for their incredible support providing boats and skippers and crew, and to Weymouth Town Council for their help in making this event happen. We’re proud to have brought the Championships to our coast.”
Photo credit: Will Patton
The Nothe Live Site proved a perfect base, offering panoramic views of the course, live-stream coverage (weather just about cooperating), hearty food and drinks, and a great vibe throughout the day. With music, paella, and cheering supporters, the site provided a welcome space for competitors and spectators to unwind between races.
Despite format tweaks, the racing remained fiercely competitive – and it was Appledore Gig Club who emerged as the standout performers, clinching the overall 2025 Mixed Grand Prix title.
Mixed Masters: Round 2 – Final
- 🥇 Barnstaple
- 🥈 Weymouth
- 🥉 Bridport
Mixed Super Vets: Round 3 – Final
- 🥇 Dart
- 🥈 Brixham
- 🥉 Salcombe
Mixed Vets: Round 3 – Final
- 🥇 Charlestown
- 🥈 Appledore
- 🥉 Padstow
Mixed Seniors: Round 3 – Final
- 🥇 Coverack
- 🥈 Falmouth
- 🥉 Newquay
Photo credit: Steve Strachan
While the event moved from the familiar embankments of Saltash to the piers and promenades of Weymouth, the essence of the Mixed Championships remained unchanged: equal opportunities for men and women to compete together, exciting racing, and plenty of club camaraderie.
Steve Mullen, CPGA Trustee said, “Weymouth Gig Club have shown real commitment in delivering this new format. Bringing crews together from across the country for a full day of mixed racing, is a brilliant achievement. They’ve laid a strong foundation for the future and have a tremendous venue, perfectly positioned for optimal spectating and great racing.”
With its debut now behind it, the Mixed Grand Prix format has proven its potential, offering flexibility, variety, and a new setting for mixed competition.
Congratulations to all competitors, volunteers, and especially Appledore, our 2025 Mixed Grand Prix Champions.
📺 You can rewatch all the racing from the day on the GigRower YouTube channel with photographs on Facebook – enjoy!
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