The weekend of 14th and 15th June saw Bembridge Harbour host the annual Bembridge Gig Fest. Organised by Bembridge Harbour Authority and Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club. This is the Isle of Wight’s only festival of its kind, an event for all types of traditional fixed seat rowing boats including Gigs and Galleys.
Keith Campbell, Chairman, Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club said, “The weather provided a challenging couple of days, with winds gusting up to Force 5 on Saturday and slightly less on Sunday, both blowing straight against the rowers, who had to battle the gusting wind and swirling tides, which combined into very choppy head seas. But they were all up for the challenge and produced some of the fastest times ever seen at the Gig Fest”
The event welcomed boats and rowers from clubs from across the South Coast, for a truly wonderful weekend of racing and socialising. Fiona Thorpe, Bembridge Harbour Authority said, “This is an increasingly popular and growing sport and the Isle of Wight is no exception, with 2 very active clubs thriving here which we are very pleased to support ”
Visiting clubs had a great time. Carlos de Sousa, ECA Gig Section said, “What an enjoyable weekend – the surroundings were lovely, the hospitality was great and the organisation perfect. We enjoyed some great racing on both the Saturday and Sunday, and I’m pleased to say we came away with a few prizes! We look forward to returning next year.”
Over 70 rowers took part across the various races from the following clubs –Eastney Cruising Association, Langstone Pilot Gig Club, Affinity Rowing Cub Brading Haven Gig Rowers, Tudor Sailing Club (Portsmouth) and Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club.
Saturday 14th June saw head to head racing which took place over a 2km straight line between Seagrove Bay and St Helens Beach, there were three races in total – Mixed , Women and Open. The results (1st to 3rd only) were as follows:
Mixed
1st Cockleshell – Eastney Cruising Club
2nd Spirit – Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club
3rd Sir Alec Rose – Eastney Cruising Club
Women
1st Star of Northney – Langstone Pilot Gig Club
2nd Spirit – Yarmouth Gig RC
3rd Cockleshell – Eastney Cruising Club
Open
1st Cockleshell – Eastney Cruising Club
2nd Star of Northney – Langstone Pilot Gig Club
3rd Navigator – Tudor Sailing Club
Sunday 15th June saw an individual timed race around the iconic St.Helens Fort and back with boats going off in 2 minute intervals. Again there were 3 categories – Mixed (minimum of 3 women rowing), Women and Open. The results were as follows:
Mixed Sea Spirit – Yarmouth Gig RC
Women Sea Spirit – Yarmouth Gig RC
Open Navigator – Tudor Sailing Club
No Comments on "Bembridge Gig Fest"