YEAR-ROUND training has paid dividends for Bridport Gig Rowing Club in their first regattas of the season.

Both the men’s and ladies’ squads have already caught the eye with some fine performances, including at the Three Rivers Race in Saltash.

The event sees crews compete in a gruelling hour-long endurance race against strong tides and winds under the famous Tamar Bridge.

The men’s A and B teams finished 18th and 51st out of 67 of the country’s top clubs.

The ladies’ squad achieved a magnificent 24th and the ladies’ B team was 60th from a field of 63.

When the results were combined, Bridport ended the day in 16th place overall – this was by far the club’s best performance in the Three Rivers event.

Last Saturday, the club’s veteran crews raced in wet and windy conditions in the centre of Bristol’s historic docklands.

Both men’s and ladies’ crews made it to their finals, and in a thrilling race the ladies rowed with unmatchable determination to claim victory.

This was a great moment for the club with tears of joy from their captain.

In the men’s race, Brixham took an early lead and despite fighting back, Bridport lost by half a boat length to finish second overall.

The Bridport squads are now in final training before they travel to the Isles of Scilly in early May to compete in the three-day World Pilot Gig Association Championships, in which 130 clubs will battle for the coveted title of world champions.

The beginning of British summer time signals more rowing opportunities for members of Bridport Gig Rowing Club and if you are interested in taking up the sport, either competitively or socially, contact Karen via rowingsecretary@bridportgigclub.org for details of the ‘Learn to Row’ course