The Cornish Pilot Gig clinker built, 32ft long with a 4ft 10in beam, made of Cornish elm.

Pilot Gig Racing has evolved over a number of years, from a handfull of clubs on the Scillies and Newquay, to the various clubs and gig involved in the sport today!
During the history of the pilot gig there the boats have been used for rescues, jobs in pilotage and now the rapidly expanding sport. 
Races are held throughout the summer with each club holding there own reggata, helping to raise funds for the clubs and promoting Gigs and having a wonderful time while, before and after the event. 

THE GIG

The Design taken from a traditional measurements, the gigs that are constructed today follow the original specifications laid down by the Peters family in the form of the gig 'Treffry' (1838), which is still rowed by the Newquay Rowing Club.

Today Cornish Pilot Gigs are part of the living history of Cornwall, a testament to the skill of the Peters family, and Cornish seamanship. 


Pilot Gigs, as suggested by the name, were originally used to take Pilots out to vessels coming off the Atlantic, the first crew from the harbour, there got the job!

Today the Gig is raced for "Pleasure"( Although Blood,sweat & tears are common place) with Clubs established all around the coast of Cornwall. As you watch the Gigs race you will see something that was unique to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but now the sport has expanded around the world.
It is a sport which Cornish people are particularly proud of, it has a great history and tradition which is thriving and growing in Cornwall and the South West today.

The Pilot Gig was the 18th Century equivalent to the speed boat, with six rowers reaching speeds of 8-9 knots. They are quite capable of going to sea in any weather, and have often done so, even for racing ( a good example 2003 World Championships IOS - were some boats were 6 to 8ft above other crews and bow coming down on stern in some instance, from crest to trough of wave)

Unlike most sports which can finance their own development by admission charges at the gate, Cornish Pilot Gig Clubs depend totally on whatever funds might be raised by a keen volunteers. Despite this difficulty, it has become the fastest growing sport in the South West, and probably in the UK.

From Weymouth to Sennen throughout the Region every weekend from April to September you can see Cornish Pilot Gig Racing.

May sees the main Gig event of the year, The Cornish Pilot Gig World Championships on the Isles of Scilly, the islands the islands population expands by thousands across the 3 days of the event, with many supporters and rowers attending from around the world.
Friday evening sees the Mens and Womens vets race from St Agnes to St Mary's, Sat racing starts early with the ladies St Agnes Race, followed by the Mens, then a race each from Nut rock, off Tresco. Sunday seesTwo more races for men and women from Nut Rock, with the final being the last race.

There are many stories, particularly in the Isles of Scilly, where the Gig has been used in preference to the established lifeboat, due to conditions prevailing at the time. A classic example is the wreck of the "Isabo", an Italian grain ship that foundered on the Scilly Rock. Grain, floating around the wreck to a depth of two inches, caused the intakes of the Lifeboat to become clogged, and the Gig "Czar", was sent in to take the men off which was accomplished successfully.