Barnstaple Pilot Gig Club enjoyed a glorious late Summer’s day on the River Taw on Sunday 27th Aug, when they held their annual Sprint Regatta. This has become a firm favourite with North coast clubs, and it was attended this year by boats and crews from Appledore, Torridge, Bude, Ilfracombe and Boscastle & Crackington. Racing started early at 9.45am with the Men’s Veteran race on a flat calm river with no wind. The narrow channel around Fisherman’s Point caused some clashes of oars as all the boats were still in line and they were forced to close in on each other. Will to Win (Torridge) came out of this to be first across the line opposite Queen Anne’s Statue, closely followed by Boscastle’s Torrent.
The succeeding races were a battle against the falling river levels as the tide receded, but by virtue of some very slick changeovers between races the full programme was completed. The combined Junior races followed the Veterans, with Appledore’s under-14s first in their group and Ilfracombe’s Under-16’s first in their group. Barum’s Men’s A crew stormed through the length of the course to take first place in their race, and Ilfracombe’s Ladies A showed their continuing strength by coming first in their race. The final B group races were won by Bude Ladies and Ilfracombe’s Men.
Final overall placings for the regatta were:
1st Appledore
2nd lfracombe
3rd Torridge & Boscastle
4th Barnstaple
5th Bude
