PORT Isaac Rowing Club celebrated its 25th year in style on Friday, September 30, with a three course meal and music from ‘The Tricade’ at the Longcross Hotel. This follows a long line of celebratory events throughout the year, particularly the rededication of the Pilot Gig Corsair in April, marking the 25th anniversary of her first launch.

The club gave a warm welcome to everyone who joined the festivities on Friday, many of whom being past members of the club, including the original ladies crew who went to the World Championships.

Special thanks on the night were expressed to Trevor Beare, Bob Bulgin and Jon Cleave who were part of the founding committee, with many helping with the fundraising for Corsair and Jon coming up with the idea of interest free loans from locals and businesses and designing the club’s first logo. Trevor is also a past chairman.

Thanks were also expressed to Roger Mutton for his speech — he is a friend of the club and a founder of the London Great River Race. Finally, congratulations were given to all the winners of trophies on the evening, including Tony Cook, who won the Bob Bulgin Award for the best all round club member. Sheelagh Driscoll won ‘Lady Rower of the Year’. Charlie Moorwood, for ‘Male Rower of the Year’. Brad Squires for ‘Most Improved Rower’ and finally, the ‘Broken thole pin’ was awarded to Neil Blackeby, Atlantic Rower, who has managed to break a pin on the first stroke of a race, losing his paddle overboard in the process!