adies A on the start line, in Avarack (blue and yellow boat, second nearest) credit Chris Dooley
Bridport gig rowing clubs ladies crews competed in the Newquay County Gig Rowing championships over the 5th and 6th of September. This two day event is regarded as the second most important event of the season, behind the world championships.
Rounds one and two are held on the Saturday, with the semi finals and finals on the Sunday. Crews are drawn boats from a hat, as there is only room for a few gigs in the harbour. Races are timed, with fastest boats going through to the next round. However this year saw a different turn of events. Racing began on the morning of the Saturday, with strong northerly winds creating a big swell, making for difficult racing. By heat eleven, it was decided that there would be no more racing that day due to the deteriorating sea conditions. Bridport ladies B crew were due to race in heat twelve, with the A crew in heat thirteen, which meant their races were to be carried over into the next day. This came as a disappointment to the crews, as they had been warming up when the decision was made.
Racing began early on Sunday morning, with the ladies B crew in the first race. They rowed a good race against some strong crews from Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, but unfortunately did not secure a fast enough time to go through to round two.
The A crew set off at a fast pace and remained strong round the two buoys, earning themselves second place and going through to round two. Their next race was even tougher and although not reaching the semi finals, finished in 39th position, with the B crew in 55th.
This saw the end of a long and successful season for the Bridport ladies, who have received some very good results over the year. The ladies would like to thank their coxes, Jason Matthews and Kevin Batchelor, who have been brilliant over the season and travelled to Newquay to cox the crews.
They will be travelling down to Newquay again in two weeks time for the men’s championship weekend.
For the ladies, preparation for the upcoming season now begins with winter training on and off the water. If you would like to get involved with rowing or know more about the club, please contact the club secretary on rowingsecretary@bridportgigclub.org or visit the website www.bridportgigclub.org.