With the annual World Gig Club Championships held in the Isles of Scilly cancelled this year, rowers from Lyme Regis Gig Club took part in the next best thing – a virtual rowing championships, writes Lisa Watt.
Held over four days, competitors rowed a series of fixed time heats on their rowing machines, in gardens, garages and living rooms – wherever they could find space.
The virtual rowing championships replicated the format of the World Gig Championships with one ‘long-race’ used to rank competitors in order of distance rowed. The field was then split into groups of 12 and each day, competitors rowed a ‘short-race’ to try and gain promotion to the group above or avoid relegation to the group below.
Competitors from all over the world including Hong Kong, Australia and Netherlands, as well as those from across the South West, including current world champions for the women and men, Falmouth and Looe, took part in the event.
Lyme Regis Gig Club had five rowers pulling virtual oars in a field over 300 competitors.
All Lyme Regis rowers posted impressive results and maintained their positions over the weekend, with only one group relegation.
Tony Ford, Lyme’s highest placed rower finished fifth in the vets (over 40s) category and 33rd overall in a field of 191.
Lisa Watt, Lyme’s highest place women, finished 45th in a field of 137 women.
In the crew competition, which comprised the top three rowers in terms of distance achieved over the four races from each club, Lyme Regis finished in an incredible 10th place.
Ahead of Falmouth A in 11th place, and the top place crew in Dorset.
Men’s captain, Dan Dunford, who took part in the event said: “It may not have been the sandy beaches and clear waters of the Isles of Scilly but these Championships reminded us of why we do Gig rowing.
“The incredible spirit, determination and commitment shown by everyone who competed was a big part of the success.
“To achieve a 10th place finish for Lyme Regis Gig Club in that level of competition was outstanding!”
The Lyme Regis team comprised of: Lisa Watt, Caroline Duval, Tony Ford, Andrew Russell, Dan Dunford.
The results were announced during a live-stream presentation ceremony with shanty sea singing and drinks in true gig rowing style.
The event has also raised over £1,200 for NHS Charities Together to support our NHS front line.
Full details of the event are available at https://www.gigrower.co.uk/2020/04/27/gigrower-virtual-rowing-championships-final-results/
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