11th Super Vets Competition For Appledore

Thanks Miles Wilkinson of Appledore PGC for this competition round up.

Appledore Pilot Gig Club welcomed 42 crews from 23 clubs to North Devon over the May Bank Holiday weekend for the annual Super Vets event.

Representing clubs from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and East Sussex, crews gathered on the Torridge Estuary for two days of competitive racing and warm hospitality, with perfect weather providing a fitting backdrop to one of the highlights of the Super Vets calendar. Appledore Pilot Gig Club is an old hand at delivering this established event which is now in its 11th year.

Saturday’s racing featured 12 qualifying heats, with crews battling for places in Sunday’s semi finals and finals. Strong performances across both the Women’s and Men’s categories set the stage for an exciting second day of competition.

Racing resumed on Sunday with the Women’s and Men’s Plate Finals. Torridge A claimed victory in the Women’s Plate Final, while Appledore B delighted the home crowd by taking the honours in the Men’s Plate Final.

As temperatures climbed well into the mid twenties, spectators lining the quayside, alongside those tuning in from home, were treated to a series of closely contested races on the estuary. The championship finals delivered a high standard of competition, showcasing the strength and depth of Super Vets rowing across the sport.

Photo credit: Southwest Sky Visions

In the Women’s Final, Helford emerged victorious ahead of Dart A and Teign A, while the Men’s title went to Torridge A, who finished ahead of hosts Appledore A and Dart A.

Photo credit: Southwest Sky Visions

Results

Women-s

1st – Helford River
2nd – Dart A
3rd – River Teign A

Men’s

1st – Torridge A
2nd – Appledore A
3rd – Dart A

A notable milestone for this year’s event was the introduction of live race coverage, with Appledore broadcasting the racing for the first time. The club extended its thanks to Steve Strachan of Southwest Sky Visions capturing drone footage and for making the livestream possible.

Appledore Pilot Gig Club thanked all competitors, volunteers, officials and supporters who contributed to another memorable weekend. The club also gave a special mention to Bob Thompson, of Ilfracombe Gig Club for his long service at an umpire at the event and continuing support.

Photo credit: Caitlin Haughton

Looking ahead, the club has provisionally scheduled the 2027 Appledore Super Vets fixture for 29th and 30th May and is already welcoming expressions of interest from clubs wishing to attend.