Port Isaac Gig Club

PORT Isaac Rowing Club’s ladies’ crew found winning form at the World Pilot Gig Championships, held in the Isles of Scilly recently.

Tony Cook, former captain of Cornwall Rugby team, took Port Isaac’s ladies’ A crew to the top of their category to win a trophy in the club’s 25th year.

This was highest placing for the ladies crew since 1995. From lining up against 152 gigs at the St Agnes starting line, the ladies fought through four heats to take the winning spot in group F, coming 61st overall, beating 90 other crews from clubs across Cornwall, Devon and around the world.

Tony said: "I had every faith the ladies would do it. They all fully committed to the training programme I designed for them and were able to reap the rewards this weekend.

“The fact that this year we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Port Isaac’s first gig launch made it all the more special.”

In addition to the Ladies’ A crew, Port Isaac entered a Ladies’ B and a Men’s crew, both of whom finished second in their categories. A ladies crew also competed in the Supervets race, coming in the top third — 8th out of 24 gigs.

Tony added: "Overall it was a great World Championships for Port Isaac Rowing Club and we’re really proud of all our crews. Now we’re looking forward to doing it all again next year!"

The ladies’ A crew included Caroline Cleave, Linda Craven, Sheelagh Driscoll, Claire Eldred, Beverley Harris and her daughter Rebecca Harris, and Shell Pavey.