Once again, the weather has looked down kindly on the Islands for the first night’s racing of the 2002 World Pilot Gig Championships. And once more, the Scilly crews comprehensively beat Truro for the Punchbowl Trophy.
All are welcome to race, a fine sight for those souls hardy enough to brave the sunny but chilly evening. A flattish sea and a moderate wind made the race from St Agnes to St Mary’s easier than it has been in the last couple of years, and the Idas (Falmouth) came home first, followed by Rame’s Minnadhu and Anne Glanville (Caradon).
Tregarthen’s was the first island gig in fourth position, followed closely by fellow St Mary’s boat, the Islander and the new purple and gold Tresco gig, Emperor. The only Truro gig participating, the Royal, came in behind Golden Eagle, Galatea and Shah (St Mary’s, St Martin’s and St Agnes respectively). Last of all, the second Tresco and Bryher gig Czar.
Before the Punchbowl comes the annual Veteran’s race, again from St Agnes to St Mary’s, only this time the crews are comprised of men, women and mixed, depending on your preferences.
Although these are supposedly ?old timers’, there are still not slouches, and a good race was enjoyed by many out in the early evening sun. First in the men’s race were Idas (obviously setting a trend - who knows what else they may achieve this weekend?) followed by last year’s winners, Mary Newman (Caradon). In the ladies contest, the Penryn crew in the Morlader won once again.
This article appeared in the ‘Gig Championship Daily?
Scilly vs Truro Punchbowl Trophy 1 Tregarthen’s (Golden Eagle crew) 2 Islander (Bonnet crew) 3 Emperor (Czar crew) 4 Golden Eagle (Serica crew) 5 Galatea (St. Martins) 6 Shah (St. Agnes) 7 Royal (Truro) 8 Czar (Tresco)
Jess Vian