YARMOUTH GIG ROWING CLUB NEWS

Bembridge Gig Fest - 24th and 25th September 2022

September’s Bembridge Gig Fest, co-hosted by Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club together with the Harbour Authority, welcomed crews and boats from 4 clubs.   Our Cornish Pilot Gig, Sea Spirit spent the week before the event in Bembridge Harbour offering free taster sessions, and was then joined by gigs from Langstone Pilot Gig Club - Star of Northney, and Newhaven Gig Rowing Club - John Carthew.   Itchenor Sailing Club towed their Solent Galley Bembridge across, and her sister ship Rosemary arrived from Yarmouth.   

YGRC organised 2km straight line sprint racing on Saturday and a race around St Helens Fort on Sunday, supported on the water by Brading Haven Yacht Club safety boats.    

The weather forecast had caused boats from Eastney Cruising Association and Tudor Sailing Club to cancel their trips over to the Island, but Day 1 turned out better than expected, with sunshine, albeit in quite lively conditions in a northerly breeze!  Club racing was followed by a mix and match race, with crew changes on St Helens beach, providing enough good natured competition for all.

The day concluded at the Duver Marina, enjoying a locally brewed pint and freshly made pizza, with great music from the Baggywrinkles, a fabulous Island band with an amazing pedigree …

Day 2 (still northerly) was timed head style racing round St Helens Fort and back, Club crews first and then mixing it up - it was great to try out other boats and row together.  Having 2 Solent Galleys at the event was very special.  Rosemary was built in 1952 and Bembridge in 1960.  There are only a handful of these beautiful, wooden clinker-built rowing boats left.  Wouldn’t it be amazing if we can increase the fleet in 2023 …?!

For more information on the 2023 event: fiona@bembridgeharbour.co.uk

Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club welcomes new rowers, with or without experience, for taster rows out of Yarmouth Harbour - Contact the club