GigRower European Championships

If you have questions please get in touch via hello@cpga.co.uk. Some frequently asked questions include:

 

What is the GigRower European Championships?

The GigRower European Championships is a new international Cornish Pilot Gig rowing event hosted by the Cornish Pilot Gig Association. The event will take place at Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th July 2026.

 

Where will the racing take place?

Racing will take place in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, from Jennycliff Bay, past Plymouth Hoe and Drake’s Island, towards Barn Pool Beach at Mount Edgcumbe.

 

How many categories and races are there?

The full race schedule and championship format can be downloaded here.

 

Will any of the racing categories be on the water at the same time?

No. All categories are scheduled to race separately.

 

Can I row in more than one category?

Yes, you can row in as many categories as you like, provided you are eligible under CPGA Racing Rules.

 

Can clubs enter multiple crews?

Yes. Clubs may enter multiple crews in each category.

 

Can we borrow Juniors from other clubs?

Clubs are welcome to work together to field combined crews. This is to encourage as many junior rowers to take to the water as possible.

 

Will boats be provided?

No. Crews are responsible for bringing and racing their own boats.

 

Can spectators attend?

Yes. Spectators, families, supporters, local communities, and visitors are all welcome to attend and enjoy the racing from a variety of shoreline viewing locations around Plymouth Sound.
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park offers fantastic views as the races approach the finish line, while Plymouth Hoe provides a superb vantage point to watch the colourful fleet of Cornish Pilot Gigs racing across Plymouth Sound. There are also plenty of excellent viewing spots along the Plymouth waterfront. 

 

Will there be live streaming?

Yes, weather permitting, racing will be available to watch via live-stream coverage on the GigRower YouTube channel.

 

Can I stay at Mount Edgcumbe overnight?

Yes, you can book the campsite or stay in a holiday cottage, subject to availability. The campsite is a few minutes’ walk from the water and Race HQ area and has a fabulous view.

 

Can I bring my campervan?

Yes, campervans and other tiny homes on wheels are permitted in designated campsite areas, subject to the purchase of the appropriate campsite tickets. There is no length restriction for campervans but please carry out your own access checks and follow the route directions for long vehicles provided below.

 

Will there be food, entertainment, and social spaces?

Yes. The event will include a bar, social spaces, food vendors, and entertainment to create a festival-style atmosphere for crews and supporters.

 

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome in the public outdoor areas of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. However, dogs are not permitted in the campsite.

Can I light a BBQ or fire pit?

To help protect the Mount Edgcumbe Estate, open fires and fire pits are not permitted anywhere on site. Due to the current hot weather and the heightened risk of fire, BBQs are also not permitted. Please dispose of cigarettes responsibly using the bins provided.

 

Is Mount Edgcumbe open to the public during the event?

Yes. The Country Park remains open to the public daily. Some areas may have event activity or restricted access during racing operations.

 

Is there an entry fee for spectators?

The park itself is free to access, so there is no charge for spectators or members of the public to watch the racing. Parking charges will apply to those arriving by car.

 

How can I travel to Mount Edgcumbe?

By Car – There are numerous brown signs signposting Mount Edgcumbe.

If you are travelling in a large campervan or towing a gig/caravan do not drive through Millbrook. Please follow these directions:

From Plymouth: Via Tamar Bridge (A38) to Treulefoot roundabout, then A374 and B3247 to Tregantle then right turn to Whitsand Bay Cawsands and Mount Edgcumbe (50 minutes from Saltash). All traffic must go this way due to the issues with a tight turning in Millbrook, which is unsuitable for long vehicles

From Cornwall: Via Liskeard, A38 to Trerulefoot roundabout, then A374 and B3247 to Tregantle then right turn to Whitsand Bay Cawsands and Mount Edgcumbe. All traffic must go this way due to the issues with a tight turning in Millbrook, which is unsuitable for long vehicles (45 minutes from Liskeard).

By Passenger Ferry – The Cremyll Ferry operates daily for foot-passengers from Admirals Hard in Plymouth and takes approximately 7 minutes. Visit the Cremyll Ferry website to find out more.

By Car Ferry – The Torpoint Car Ferry is available at approximately 10-minute intervals and queues form in high season. From Torpoint use A374 and B3247 (brown signs) via Antony. Allow approximately 40 minutes travel time (30 minutes off peak).

By Bus – Bus services operate from both Cornwall and Plymouth via Traveline South West journey planners.

By Train – The closest train station to Mount Edgcumbe is around 8 miles away at St Germans. Alternatively, take the train to Plymouth, then walk or take a bus to the Cremyll Ferry and travel by boat to Mount Edgcumbe.

 

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is available within Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, though visitors should allow extra travel time during peak event periods. There will be a cost for parking if you are not camping on site.

 

Is the venue accessible?

Mount Edgcumbe offers a range of accessible paths and facilities. Some terrain within the park may be uneven due to the historic landscape and coastal setting.

 

What facilities are available at Mount Edgcumbe?

Facilities include:
Toilets
Cafés and refreshment areas
Walking trails
Gardens and public spaces
On-site camping during the event

 

Can I visit Mount Edgcumbe House during the championships?

Yes. The House and Earl’s Garden are expected to be open during the event period, operating on guided tours between April and September.

 

What makes Mount Edgcumbe special?

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park covers over 865 acres of historic parkland and gardens and is one of Cornwall’s earliest landscaped parks, with coastal views across Plymouth Sound and access to the South West Coast Path. Visit the Mount Edgcumbe Official Website to find out more.

 

We’re here to help. Contact the team via hello@cpga.co.uk