Lyme Gig Club topped their best competitive season in the club’s 10-year history with a men’s victory at the Appledore supervets regatta.

In the same weekend the ladies' supervets came in an excellent third, while on the long distance Tamar race Lyme posted a strong sixth out of 27 crews.

During the summer season of regattas throughout the Westcountry, Lyme picked up a club record 17 winners' trophies, topping the 12 won in 2016. The successes this year generally came from different crews than last.

This year the bulk of the trophies were won by the men’s supervets and the under 14s' crews, winning seven and three trophies respectively.

For both of these crews success has come as a result of long-term commitment to training both on and off the water.

In fact, the all-conquering men’s supervets crew have been undefeated all year since their third place in the World Championships at the very start of the season - undisputedly the best crew in the area.

Other successes this year included the under 14s coming sixth at their first attempt in main national competition in Hayle back in July. This bodes well for 2018 as most of this year’s crew will still be in the same age category.

Lyme also picked up a massive seven wins at the local Bridport regatta in June, winning every men’s race in the process.

The club dominated at the Flushing and Mylor regatta, almost winning a clean sweep, and winning their first mixed races ever, also at Bridport.

Lyme additionally attended a few of the traditional Cornish regattas for the first time, including Falmouth Sprints and Zennor Regatta.

The men’s A crew again made group B (top 24) at the Scillies World Championships, for the third year on the trot.

Aside from the competitive rowing, the club have developed in other areas. There are now almost 200 active members, including 53 junior rowers.

The club now has its own bespoke ‘Seafit’ gym and will soon have a purpose-built maintenance and boat building workshop.

Lyme have recently changed status to a charity, making funding easier and legalities more robust for future sustainability. There have been more new members joining than ever before.

With a traditionally strong senior contingent, recently joined by the large numbers of juniors, and now a growing number of 20s and 30s joining, the club is not only one of the largest sport clubs in the area, but also among the most diverse and inclusive.

The racing season isn’t over yet, with Lyme Regis hosting the Jurassic Juniors Regatta for clubs from Sidmouth to Portsmouth on Sunday 29th October.

Finally, the club could not succeed without the continued support of Otter Brewery and all the other valued local sponsors, as well as support from Lyme Regis Town Council and the Harbourmaster. Thank you from all at the club.

Roll on 2018 for more growth, development and success! If you are interested in sea rowing in these fine traditional boats, go to www.lymeregisgigclub.com for details.