NINE crews from Bridport Gig Rowing Club travelled over to the Isles of Scilly to compete in the World Gig Rowing Championships.

The weekend started with the ladies’ super-vets’ long race which saw the Bridport ladies finish seventh out of a total of 27 crews, which was followed by the ladies’ veterans which saw the vets’ A crew finish 13th and the vets’ B finish in 22nd out of 51.

The men’s veterans wrapped up day one of the event, rowing in Dagger and securing a strong 10th place finish out of 42.

Day two saw the turn of the ladies and men’s main draw races over the St Agnes long race. The finishing position of each boat in this race determined which group they started in for the next stage.

By Saturday evening, after one heat both the ladies’ A and B crews were in group D, a first for Bridport to have two ladies crews in the same heat.

The ladies’ C were in group G while the men’s A team began Sunday’s racing in group D, with the men’s B in group I.

Day three saw the ladies’ C crew maintain their position in the group stages to finish 82nd overall. The ladies’ B crew continued their strong form to stay in group D and take 43rd, the best result for any Bridport B crew.

The ladies’ A won their morning heat to be promoted to group C resulting in 30th overall out of 142 boats, the best result ever achieved by the ladies.

The men’s B crew battled relegation and then went on to be promoted to achieve 103rd place out of 140 boats. After promotion in the morning’s heat, the men’s A crew placed 36th in the world equalling last year’s personal best.

The club achieved their best ever results, and a great weekend was had by all who competed and supported.

Bridport Gig Rowing Club’s squads will now begin training for the Weymouth regatta at the end of May, and have a busy season ahead.

n If you would like to get involved in rowing, squad or general, visit bridportgigclub.org