Isle Of Wight Gig Rowing Clubs Make History Sailing Pilot Gigs For First Time

A piece of maritime history was made this month, when Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club and Brading Haven Gig Rowers became the first clubs ever to sail traditional wooden pilot gigs in Island waters.

Yarmouth’s gig Spirit and Brading Haven’s gig Seahorse took to the water off Bembridge, each rigged with their original masts and sails – a first for both clubs.

The sail marked a highlight of a two-day gig rowing regatta held on 9 and 10 August, hosted by Brading Haven Gig Rowers at Brading Haven Yacht Club.

The event celebrated the heritage and growing popularity of gig rowing.

Cornish Pilot Gigs were a common sight between the 17th and late 19th centuries, originally used to carry harbour pilots to larger vessels.

Although primarily rowed, they could also be fitted with sails.

Their use for commercial purposes declined with the arrival of steam power, but today gig rowing is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, with races and regattas taking place nationwide.

The Isle of Wight is now home to two gig rowing clubs – one serving the west and one the east – offering people of all ages a way to keep fit, work as a team, and enjoy a welcoming sporting community.

Sam Hotchin, Cox at Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club, said:

“It’s the first time we’ve had the opportunity to rig our traditional wooden pilot gig ‘Spirit’, which we bought in 2023 and is now 30 years old.

"It was a fantastic experience for the whole crew, and wonderful to see our gig and Brading Haven’s sailing together along the Bembridge coastline.”