Regatta

Another Clevedon gig club trip took the blue force down to Appledore this weekend, to race against clubs such as Ilfracombe, Bude and Barnstaple amongst many others.

The first race of the day was kicked off with the A crews taking to the water. Men finishing in eighth and women storming back in fourth. It was Clevedon conditions with the calm water favouring their style of rowing, an opportunity they took to show their stamina and technique as they pipped boats to the boys and sped back down on the home straight.

A later start this week for Paignton’s regatta gave the rowers some time to fuel up on bacon butties and listen to the music that was playing over the tannoys. Not to mention the chance of exploring the high street which was an experience for sure.

Upon the boats being carried ‘literally’ down the beach to the water’s edge, the first row for Clevedon was ladies B. They rowed hard against the unforgiving conditions the sea threw at them and finished seventh out of eleven.

An Elegant Start to a summer of Regattas

Clevedon's Super Vets Mixed Crew rowed to victory on 23 Feb at Appledore.

Sunday saw the regatta season kick off with the 3 Rivers event hosted by Caradon Pilot Gig Club at Saltash - a 6 mile race that starts and finishes under the Tamar Bridge.

Clevedon returned with 4 crews again this year representing for the most part the men's and ladies' A and B crews selected for the Scillies. Thanks go out to Rob Gait and John George who towed the spotless Blackbird and Watch & Pray down to Cornwall for their first races of the season.

A great event in breezy and occasionally sunny conditions in Lyme, Clevedon once again drew questions as to how big the town is as we were the largest club, with 47 rowers plus various other friends and family.

The event was a knockout format, with short 1200m races. Two heats rowed out, with the top four boats in each race going into a semi final. The top four in each semi final went into the final later in the day. There were slightly longer single vets' races and the course was also extended a little for the final.

This was Clevedon's biggest year yet at the World Championships on the Scilly Isles, and in fact with our 60 people in 13 crews, we were one of the biggest clubs at the championships. We clearly made an impression - the Radio Scilly commentator said that someone had asked him: "How big is Clevedon? It must be huge as there are so many of them!". There were certainly enough of us to ensure the Somerset flag was flying proudly with all the others.

The weather forecast for the day was unpredictable, a large Clevedon contingent drove through torrential rain, only to arrive to sunny skies in Teignmouth.

Clevedon entered 9 races, the course was triangular with three bouys to navigate round at the far end of the course, before turning back and heading to the finish line.

There was a large turn out for the regatta with up to 14 gigs racing in each event. As usual Clevedon competed with detemination and in many of the races produced some outstanding rowing, with all of our crews putting in really strong finishes.

The weather surprised with sun cream and shorts required against the stunning backdrop of Brixham breakwater and the grey pebble beach.

On Saturday 26th July 24 rowers, plus supporters, from Clevedon Pilot Gig Club travelled south to Rame Pilot Gig Club Regatta. Having attended last year, but not rowed due to a last minute cancellation, anticipation was rife at the opportunity to compete with some of the top crews in the country. To add to this, it was set to be a scorcher with calm waters. Luckily Rame didn’t disappoint!