WEYMOUTH Rowing club took two men’s and two ladies’ teams, along with their boats Penny, and Isolde, to the prestigious Three Rivers Race at Caradon Gig Club, Saltash, Cornwall.

This year saw one of the largest fields ever, with more than 54 boats taking part from all over the South West, and also included teams from Swanage, Lyme Regis, Portland and Bridport.

The event is a six plus-mile course, starting under the Tamar and Brunel bridges.

In the ladies’ race, Weymouth A crew finished in 11th place, in a time of 55mins 42secs with the B side close behind in 18th place, recording a time of 57mins 29secs.

The current Cornish Pilot Gig world champions, Falmouth won again challenging the course record in a time of 50.39mins.

Falmouth Men, also world champions, completed the double by winning their race by more than 100m in a time of 44.44mins.

Weymouth Men’s A completed the course in eighth place in 48.21mins with the men’s B team in 22nd place, timed at 51.14 mins.

The combined times (men’s and ladies) left Isolde in seventh overall with Penny in 16th.

Weymouth were the best placed team outside of Cornwall, which was a fantastic achievement and was their best result so far in the event.

Swanage finished a creditable 14th place in Winspit, Lyme Regis (22nd place in Tempest), Bridport (29th in Dagger) and Portland (30th in Pulpit Rock).

Weymouth men’s captain Clive Moore, said: “I believe we all rowed some fantastic races, with some of best results in years.

“Well done all. To top it off the weather was the best I can remember.

“A great start to our season.”

If you would like to experience the excitement of gig racing for yourself, Weymouth Rowing Club is holding a mini regatta tomorrow from 11am, with fantastic viewing from the Nothe.

Teams are expected from as far afield as Somerset, Devon and Hampshire. Refreshments and hot food will be available.

If you would like to try your hand at rowing a pilot gig, you can get all the details from weymouthrowingclub.co.uk