Pilot Gigs

The ARA and the Cornish Pilot Gigs Association (CPGA) joined forces in 2006 to develop all rowing in Cornwall and the West Country. Both organisations are delighted with this venture and are looking forward to developing many more opportunities to expand sliding seat and gig rowing in the West Country.

Gigs were first used around 200 years ago to take pilots out to vessels coming in from the Atlantic. They are six oared clinker built boats, 32 foot long and 4 foot 10 wide. Speed was of the essence as the first Pilot gig to the vessel got the job. In later years the gigs were used as lifeboats due to their speed and seaworthiness.

Today gigs are used purely for pleasure, and racing them is a sport which locals are particularly proud of. It forms an important part of their history and their community life. One of the earliest boats, The Newquay, built in 1812 is still in good condition and used at Newquay Rowing Club to race against newer boats. Even with the older boats still in existence, demand means that around four new boats a year are being constructed in the traditional manner of Cornish narrow leaf elm, fastened by copper nails.

The gig is just one of a range of fixed seat coastal boats which has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years. Others include the Seine and Teine boats and Welsh long boats.