A REWARDING sight greeted members and friends of Bude Pilot Gig Club on the weekend commencing Saturday, November 19, as they watched the blessing and launch of new plastic boat, 'Breakwater'.

The club have been fundraising for the past three years; selling pens, doing sponsored events, bag packing, applying for grants and much more, to raise the money to buy their plastic gig boat.

Father Dorrington did the honour of blessing her and all who row in her, before she was placed into the sea off the slip way at Summerleaze Beach. It was typically boisterous conditions for Bude — which don't lend to gig rowing — but the team managed one short row out to the breakwater, avoiding the surf, as her maiden voyage. They then retreated to the safer waters of the canal, where several of the clubs members got to take her for a spin.

For the full report, and a round up of the latest news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.