WEYMOUTH ladies vets A claimed a fantastic fourth place finish, as rowing crews attended the 30th World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly.

There were 163 boats that took part with crews from all over the South West and as far away as Bermuda, Holland, America and Ireland.

The weather made for challenging rows on Friday and Saturday but improved for the final day of racing.

Weymouth vets crews achieved good results with the men’s vets A coming 10th in addition to the ladies’ vets A achieving fourth place.

In the open competition, Ladies A took 35th place, a very good achievement and the Ladies B celebrated on the podium as they won their group, coming 49th overall.

The men’s A took 54th place but all crews battled hard and had a fantastic weekend of racing.

Alison Parry, one of the veteran rowers, admitted the race had been “one of the toughest” she had ever completed.

She said: “It was amazing to be part of such a brilliant championship and to be fourth in the world in the ladies vets event, our best ever result! Winning our group in the Ladies B was also a highlight.

“The final was one of the toughest races I have done, but we rowed for each other and found a little bit extra, we didn’t know we had, just when it mattered.”

The Seasiders now look forward to their home Weymouth Regatta tomorrow on Weymouth Beach near the pavilion.