BRIDPORT Gig Rowing Club put in a fine show at their annual regatta.

Continuing their strong form throughout the racing season so far, Bridport put out a strong squad on home waters against some challenging opposition.

Teams that came to West Bay for the event were Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Brixham, Langstone, Clifton, Torridge, Exmouth, Swanage, Sidmouth and Portland.

Races took place in many categories, comprising of men’s and ladies’ A, B and C, juniors, men’s and ladies’ veterans and supervets and the day finished with a mixed race.

The day began rather grey, and the sea state posed some tough rowing conditions around the kite-shaped, two kilometre course; consisting of three stroke side buoy turns and a long sprint to the finish line.

Throughout the morning, conditions improved and the sun came out, making for a brilliant clear day of competitive racing.

This begun with the men’s B and A races, Bridport secured fourth and third places respectively. Following this was the junior race, over a slightly shorter course.

An almost photo finish between Bridport and Brixham saw Bridport secure their first win of the day.

Bridport’s ladies’ B finished in third position, beaten narrowly by Torridge and Brixham, while the ladies A crew had three-way battle all the way down the last leg, finishing fourth on the line.

Two men’s C crews, rowing in racing gigs ‘Dagger’ and ‘Blaez’ competed in the same race.

The ‘Dagger’ crew had a brilliant race, finishing first.

The ladies’ C one and C two crews secured fourth and seventh respectively.

Next was the turn of the veterans (over-40s) in which the men entered two crews. Both had a positive race to finish in fourth and ninth.

The supervets (over-50s) race saw Bridport’s men gain fifth.

The ladies’ supervets secured sixth against a strong field of opposition.

The last race of the day was the mixed race; every boat was entered into this race which made for a field of 13 gigs on the start line.

Once racing had finished, the overall winner was announced and a wonderful trophy made by local boat builder Roman Rodriguez was awarded to Brixham. Second place went to Lyme Regis and Bridport secured third.

The next event the club will be attending is Paignton regatta on Saturday.