Pilot gigs of the Isles of Scilly
68How pilot gigs stared.
The gigs are 32 feet long wooden boats with 6 rowing positions and a cox. Gigs are thought to of originated in Cornwall in the 18th century and soon became popular in the Isles of Scilly. They were originally used to take pilots out to ships in the Atlantic. The first crew from the harbour to the ship would get paid to do the piloting job. At one time there were over 20 gigs competing to get to ships around the Isles of Scilly. Many ships have been wrecked there, so a local pilot was essential to navigate through these treacherous waters. The new gigs are built by the template of the Treffry that was built by the Peters family in 1838.
The Isles of Scilly gigs became obsolete. Some were converted in to other boats, some were left to rot or were cut up and used as firewood but in the 1960's gig racing started. Now there is a mens race every Friday and a ladies race every Wednesday throughout the summer. Lots of new gigs have been built but some from the 1800's are still used.
Here are some of my photos of the gigs with some information about them.
The Bonnett
The Czar
The Dauntles.
The Dolphin.
The Galatea.
The Golden Eagle.
The Men-a-Vaur.
The Nornour.
The Shah of St. Agnes.
The Tregarthen's.
A closer view during the race.
Another photo of the Bonnet.
The wooden oars
The Galatea.
Watching the race.
Watching a gig race is good fun, especially if there are big waves. These boats can row in very rough sea. Several boats take visitors out to watch and as you can see from these photos, you can get some close views of the rowers.
Gig racing is very popular in the Isles of Scilly and around Cornwall. There were 127 entrants in the World Pilot Gig Championships this year.
There are more photos and videos of the Isles of Scilly in my blog here My photos of the Isles of Scilly
