Category: Results

Competition results

Barnstaple Sprint Regatta

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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

Caradon Regatta 2016

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Barnstaple and Torridge Pilot Gig Clubs both sent crews to Saltash on Saturday to take part in Caradon Gig clubs annual regatta. Normally this is a Vets and Mixed crew event over two days, but for technical reasons this year it was an ‘all comers’ event. Although the sky was overcast, winds were light and the rain held off all day so conditions were good for rowing.
The start line was next to Brunel railway bridge, and the first leg was a long haul up the Tamar to the first buoy for a stroke side turn, quickly followed by two more stroke side turns until the boats were heading back to the finish line at the rail bridge again. Saltash Town fete was on at the same time, leading to a carnival atmosphere along the shoreline with a multitude of colourful stalls, children’s attractions and live music from Saltash town band and local pop groups and singers.
There were 26 boats taking part from many Cornish and Devon Clubs; Barnstaple and Torridge entered one boat each. Individual race results were as follows:

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Caradon Gig club excelled on their home waters, winning seven out of eleven races, and placed in the top four for the four remaining races. All of the rowers taking part enjoyed a good days racing with lots of shoreside entertainment as well, so a good day was had by all.