PORTLAND Gig Rowing Club has enjoyed a very successful 2014 season.

The club competed in varied events ranging from regattas, championships, community events and fundraising events.

Dogged determination, sheer grit and a great spirit hurled the club through an arduous 2013/2014 winter training season.

Their preparation paid off as the 2014 gig rowing calender got underway.

They continued to improve throughout the season on the previous year’s performances.

During the racing season, the club’s two 32ft long wooden Cor-nish Pilot Gig Boats, named Pulpit Rock and Chesil, have travelled many miles on land and in the water.

The club has taken part in some of the most prestigious regattas in the gig rowing world.

The first was the Three Rivers race in Cornwall. The event included racing on the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher.

It was a tough five-mile course resulting in both Portland ladies and men achieving a combined team placing of 29th out of 52.

Another major event was the 25th World Pilot Gig Rowing Championships held on the Isles of Scilly. There were battles of strength, skill and endurance from the 145 Cornish Pilot Gig boats on the water.

The ladies’ crews achieved their highest ranking in the club’s history with the ladies’ A crew in Pulpit Rock securing 46th position.

Other regattas the club attended included Swanage, Rame, Langstone, Teign, Weymouth and the Round Hayling Island Race.

The junior crews were a great asset to the club having made their presence felt in all of the regattas they attended this year.

They competed in the Newquay Championships where Portland were Dorset’s only representatives and were placed fifth in the Plate final.

The juniors had some tough races and their medal and trophy tally dominates the club’s awards collection. This memorable season has seen all of the crew members gain valuable experience for future regattas.

The club teamed with the Island of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) providing a six-week ‘Learn to Row’ course culminating in the first Dorset Schools Pilot Gig Championships.

The club also participated in the Spirit of Portland event offering taster rows and they gave Dorset Volunteer Centre members a rowing experience.

They showcased Pulpit Rock at Portland Lighthouse and fund-raised and offered taster rows at Portland Marina Fish & Ships event.

The club held a sponsored walk around the Portland coast path and social events this year have included regular summer barbecues and end-of-season and Christmas meals.

The diary of the regattas and events Portland Gig Rowing Club attended along with news in more detail can be found at portlandgigrowingclub.co.uk Club members are now well into their tough winter training regime and are looking forward to a successful 2015 season.

  •  Portland Gig Rowing Club welcomes anyone aged 11 and over of all abilities to come and have a row. If you would like to try gig rowing or would like to help the club in any way contact portlandgigrowingclub@yahoo.co.uk.