TIP: Click the   Video tab to see this activity in action

Hello, there seems to be a problem, you have either not got java enabled, or you do not have the latest Flash player installed. Please click here to install the latest player, once complete, close that window and refresh this page.

The Cornish pilot gig is a six-oared clinker built rowing boat, originally developed as a work boat, but now primarily used for sport. All modern racing gigs are based on the "Treffry" which was built in 1838, a design which is strictly adhered too.

Popularity
Pilot Gig clubs are mainly concentrated within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Other clubs exist in Devon, Dorset, Wales and London. Internationally there are pilot gig clubs in Australia, the Faroe Islands, France, the Netherlands, and the USA.

Location
Pilot Gig Racing is a sport contested in open water and across bays. the competive season lasts from Early Spring until Late September.
Although a fiercely competitive activity, Pilot gig rowing has a very strong social side.

Age
A sport for all ages, with most Pilot Gig clubs taking members from the age of 12 years, with official races for all ages ranging from under 14s and under 16s through to vets and supervets. Some supervets continue actively rowing into their 60s.

Ability
Although Pilot gig rowing caters for all abilities. Competitive crew require a good deal of stamina, muscular arms and a burly back are clearly an advantage for manoevering the hefty oar through the waves.

Description
Cornish pilot gigs are based on the boat, "Treffry". Clinker built of Cornish Elm, measureing 32 feet long with a beam of four feet ten inches. A design strictly adheared too.

Led by a coxwain there are 6 rowers in each boat. rowers sit on fixed wooden seats with a 'stretcher' upon which to brace their feet, there are no fancy aides to help technique. Arms locked, blade square to the water, the oar is drawn through the water by pushing back with the weight of the oarsmans body.

Dedication
The Pilot Gig as the name suggests was originally a work boat used to ferry pilots out to assist in-coming ocean boats, and also used as a rescue boat (forerunner of the lifeboat) with many success stories to its credit. The Pilot Gig is often referred too as the 18th Century equivalent to the speed boat, with six rowers achieving speeds of 8-9 knots.

Potential
The World Pilot Gig Championships held annually on the Isles of Scilly.

The 22 mile Great River Race, held in London.

Closely Related Activities
Rowing 495, Dragon Boat Racing 221.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.