WEYMOUTH Rowing Club took part in the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly.

The town club sent nine crews in all, five of which took part in the veterans and super veterans races on day one.

The first evening of the event saw the ladies’ veterans (over-40s) and super veterans (over-50s) go for Weymouth.

Club spokesperson Lynn Reynolds said: “We were all very unsure if the racing would take place due to the deteriorating conditions. The organisers put the task on clubs and coxswains to decide if their crews would make it.

“All three ladies’ crews entered as the club was confident that with the amount of sea training the conditions would be no problem for us.

“It was all about finding the right waters, so a huge tactical approach by the coxswains."

Weymouth ladies' B crew finished in an outstanding seventh spot, while the A team claimed 28th and C team were 53rd out of 61.

As the weather and conditions deteriorated further, the men’s veterans race followed and Weymouth A squad finished fifth out of 61.

Ladies’ vets captain Michelle Brown said: “The crew had an amazing line and held it together through the whole two-mile straight line race.”

The men’s super veterans came in a very respectable 15th out of 21.

The attention then turned to the open races on days two and three which took place over four rounds in rough seas that only got worse during the weekend.

This resulted in the final races being rowed in seas so rough that some crews withdrew and several spectator boats did not leave the safety of the harbour.

In the ladies’ event, which featured 143 boats, the ladies' A team finished in Group C, taking 29th spot overall.

Improving their position by going up the group ladder through the sprint heats, the Bs were very close on the tails of the As and came 41st in Group D.

The C crew grabbed 93rd in Group H.

In the men’s races, and a field of 143 boats, Weymouth entered three crews. The A side made short work of promoting themselves from Group D to top Group C and earn a well-deserved podium position in 25th.

This crew combination also raced in the vets races but still had plenty in the tank.

The men’s B got caught up on the finish line as they were pushed out by another club, but still fought back and came in 78th in Group G. The men’s C crew made a gallant effort to finish 128th.

Weymouth would like to give thanks to all those who supported them throughout the season and Weymouth-based Travis Perkins for their generous donation to kit out the ladies’ A crew.

Weymouth now look forward to hosting racing this Saturday.

The event will have clubs from as far afield as Ilfracombe (North Devon), Bristol, Langstone (Hampshire), Swanage, Bridport and Portland. The Stone Pier will be a great viewpoint when racing starts at 11am.

There will be lots of refreshments available for a small fee. You can read more by visiting weymouthrowingclub.co.uk