BRIDPORT Gig Rowing Club put in a strong performance at Sidmouth’s regatta to finish in second place overall.

The day began with some rain, although the sea conditions were good. The first race was the ladies’ A event, in which Bridport finished second in Dagger, racing over a kite-shaped course with two stroke side turns and a sprint to the finish line.

Bridport entered two ladies’ B teams, who came third and seventh. After the ladies’ races, the rain stopped and the visibility improved over the rest of the day.

The men’s A crew had a very strong start to their race, cox Jason Matthews pushed the crew on the first leg, battling with boats next to them. They pulled away around the first turn and could not be caught, winning with a time of 11 minutes and 31 seconds – the fastest time of the day.

The men’s B crew, which comprised of some new and experienced rowers, secured fourth place.

Bridport also entered two crews for the ladies’ vets' event. The crew rowing in Dagger finished second with the Blaez crew finishing fifth.

The men’s vets in came third and seventh and both mixed teams had battles to secure second and seventh respectively.

By the end of the racing, Bridport were second overall behind Weymouth, with Lyme Regis in third.

The other clubs that competed were Exmouth, Langstone, Teignmouth and the host club Sidmouth.

A club spokesperson said: “Bridport Gig Club would like to thank Sidmouth for putting on a well organised and enjoyable regatta and look forward to next year.”

Bridport’s next event is the Newquay County Championships, held over two weekends – one for the men’s crews and one for the ladies.

The ladies’ event is on Saturday and Sunday, the men’s competition is two weeks after.

Squads race in boats drawn out of a hat, and go against the clock to earn places in the next round.

This is a huge event for all gig clubs across the South West and Bridport are entering an A and a B crew and hope to improve on last year’s results.

If you would like to try rowing, or want to know any more about the club, contact the secretary on rowingsecretary@bridportgig club.org or visit the club’s website bridportgigclub.org