Three Rivers Race 2026

On Saturday 14th March, Caradon Gig Club held their super successful Three Rivers endurance event welcoming clubs from as far as Essex. Even without Hayle Pilot Gig Club, who were forced to withdraw following a trailer breakdown en route, there were 93 gigs on the start line for the Women’s race and 85 boats competing in the Open.

The six mile course starts just north of the Tamar Bridge, with crews racing upriver to the entrance of the Tavy River, then back downriver to the Lynher River entrance, before heading upriver again to finish just south of the Royal Albert Bridge. At this time of year conditions can be variable, and this year proved no different. While the weather broadly held for the Women’s heats, heavy rain set in during the Open racing.

Racing in the Women’s category was incredibly tight, with Helford securing the Mark Duddridge Cup, followed by Fowey just three seconds behind in second and Caradon a further seventeen seconds back in third.

Close competition continued in the Open category. Caradon crossed the line first to win the CRY4TOM Trophy, followed by Coverack nine seconds behind and Helford just two seconds further back in third place.

After combining the Women’s and Open results to produce an overall standing, Helford took the top honours to lift the Three Rivers Race Challenge Cup, with Caradon second and Coverack third.

Congratulations to Caradon Gig Club for once again staging an inclusive, invigorating and challenging start to the season.