Isles of Scilly 'epic and fun' for gig rowing championships

BBC News

04-05-2025

This weekend's World Pilot Gig Championships, held annually in the Isles of Scilly, is much more than a showcase for the sport.It also provides a substantial boost to the local hospitality and tourism industries at the start of the summer season.For Nick George, landlord of the Mermaid Inn beside St Mary's quay, the preparations include ordering extra supplies and making sure the drinks do not run out.Mr George called the event "phenomenal" and said he ordered 120 kegs of beer and cider for the weekend - enough for more than 10,000 pints.
"I tend to over-order supplies because the next boat isn't until Tuesday," Mr George said. "It's a bit of guesswork, but it's better to have more than run out."He said the event contributes nearly 10% of the pub's annual turnover over a six-day period. About 450 crews have been in the islands, 28 miles off Cornwall, taking part in the three-day event, with between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators.The rowing is serious for many who have endured long winters of tireless training, and with highly coveted World Championship medals at stake.Rowers compete in various categories over the weekend with the main men's and women's finals on Sunday afternoon - leading to a busy night in the island's pubs.Mr George said: "The Mermaid on a Sunday night of gig weekend is unbelievable - Sunday night is epic."Carnage is more the word I'd use, but it's a good laugh with no trouble."It's my 11th or 12th year with the event, and I love it".
Euan Rodger, executive vice chair of Visit Isles of Scilly said the championships were a "wonderful economic boost and a spectacle to enjoy"."Gig racing is worldwide now, with crews from America and Holland this year. "The reach is wide, and many gig rowers go home talking about the wonderful week they had," he said.This helps attract new visitors and puts the Isles of Scilly on the map. "We're always looking for new visitors, and we hope this event plays its part in that," he said.It also fosters a sense of community and celebration, making it a highlight of the year for both locals and visitors. "It's an incredible weekend, and everyone unwinds," he said."It's pretty good, to be honest."
Sgt Al Jordan is the resident police officer for the islands and said it was a "fantastic" event.To handle the influx of people he brings in more officers from the mainland "to ensure everything goes according to plan and everyone is safe and happy"."We just like to say, be sensible," he said."We're out on the street all day and evening, ready to help if needed."
Isles of Scilly Chaplain Elizabeth Burke said the gig championships bring a "completely different atmosphere", to the islands where physical isolation from the mainland brings benefits but also problems, from loneliness to getting hospital treatment."It's really exciting," she said about the championships."There's a real buzz about it. It's important for the economy and for networking and coming together."