TIME TO GET SCILLY!

Written By Kerry O'Neill

Weston Gig Club: Off to the World Championships Thurs 1 May

On Thurs 1 May 2025, Weston-super-Mare’s Cornish Pilot Gig Club will send rowing crews out to the Isles of Scilly to compete at the World Pilot Gig Championships for the first time.

The Isles of Scilly (IoS) 2025

The Championships are held every May on the Isles of Scilly (IoS). The spectacle attracts over 120 gig boats and hundreds of rowers from clubs across the UK and around the world, to compete in a series of sea rowing races over three gruelling days.  

Heather Thorpe, Weston Gig Club’s Ladies’ Captain, said: “Excitement is growing as the Championships approach. We’ve been training hard in the boat, in the gym, in the sea, in Bristol Docks, and through competing in the local Winter Series races.  

“The better weather is attracting more people to the club, all keen to get more involved. Rowing is great fun, whether as a social or more competitive activity. With spring’s longer days now here, more rows are going out and we welcome contact from anyone keen to try gig rowing.”

Chick Parkin will be coxing at the Championships, as well as rowing for Weston with the Men’s crew. Chick said: “I competed at IoS in 2024 in the Help for Heroes boat, and knew we had to get our club involved this year. The competition for the podium is unbelievably fierce, with age-old Cornish club rivalries battling it out in every race. Though it’s unlikely we’ll make the podium, we’ll put in our all! If you’re keen to row in a World Championship, join Weston Gig Club now and get training for next year…”

Local rower Kerry O’Neill, who’s competed at the event twice with other gig clubs, said, “Weston Gig Club only came into being a few years back. To have fundraised with the local community to buy its own boats, and to be part of the World Champs already, is incredible.

“On behalf of the club and its trustees, thank you to Sport England and the National Lottery, and to North Somerset Council for helping us establish a base with our gig shed on Beach Lawns. Thank you too to all at Weston Bay Yacht Club and to everyone who’s donated or supported us along the way. 

Join the club: as a rower or on-shore/ coxing volunteer

It’s definitely not all about competitive rowing, and the club has many leisure or social rowers like Ann Molloy. Ann said, “Since joining the club I’ve learnt to row and improved both my physical and my mental health. I'm looking forward to being out on the sea in Weston Bay this summer and meeting others who want to experience life with this fantastic club.”

Weston Gig Club is an Amateur Sport Charitable Incorporated Organisation CIO based at the Weston Bay Yacht Club, in Uphill. It’s run by voluntary trustees and a voluntary committee. ‘Over 55s’ rows have also been launched, and all enquires to have a go are welcomed. 

New members and rowers, and volunteers to help out on shore or to be trained up as coxes or in other support roles, are welcome to contact the club via email, see our Contact Us page. 

Key info for the Isles of Scilly World Pilot Gig Championships 2025

Kerry O'Neill
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