Rowers head to Scilly for World Gig Championships

Hundreds of gig rowers and thousands of spectators will descend on the Isles of Scilly this weekend for the 34th World Pilot Gig Championships.

Competitors of all ages will row pilot gigs, a type of traditional Cornish rowing boat, in a series of races from 2 to 4 May off the coast of St Mary's - Scilly's largest island.

The championship started in 1990 with a handful of crews but has grown to become the "biggest and most-prestigious event" in Scilly's calendar, according to Tristan Hick, who chairs the organising committee.

Mr Hick said the islands, 28 miles off Cornwall, will be "totally turned over to rowing and rowers, most people are here to either watch or take part".

He said the event was the "pinnacle of the sport", adding "it's what we all look forward to every year."

About 450 crews were expected to take part in the three-day event, with between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators, Mr Hick said.

Crews will come from across the south west and the UK, as well as several crews from the Netherlands are making the journey to the islands.

"I think some people really enjoy the history of it, they love the team spirit that there is," he said.

"It's a fabulous social event as well as an ultra competitive environment. I think the two things go hand-in-hand to create quite a unique sport."

The championships has introduced new events this year, including categories for under 25s.

Mr Hick said the organisation had also introduced reusable festival cups designed by a local artist from St Martin's this year in an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

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