...are fast, seaworthy craft, 32 feet long, 4'9" in the beam and of clinker construction. Traditionally used to take channel pilots to sailing ships in the western approaches; when contracts were scarce the first boat on station got the pilotage contract and hence the racing tradition developed. With the advent of motorised pilot boats, gigs fell into disuse. In 1954, members of Newquay Rowing Club, notably George Northy and Richard Grillis, went to the Isles of Scilly and bought some of the old gigs from shareholders. These were cradled to the mainland, repaired and made seaworthy. and ares still being rowed today despite their age. The oldest, "Newquay" being built in 1812. Following a conversation between George Northy and Ralph Bird in 1986, a meeting was called of the existing ing clubs - Newquay, Cadgwith, Truro, Roseland and Mounts Bay and the Cornish Pilot Gig Association was founded. Since then 19 new clubs have been formed and there are some 100 of these fine crafts now in Cornwall and Devon also extending into Wessex and Wales, there is also a club in Holland. The annual County Pilot Gig Championships for mens, ladies and under 16's crews take place at Newquay every September and last year was the 35th year. The World Pilot Gig Championships, which take place annually on the Isles of Scilly, have been greatly attended where clubs come from as far as Chiswick and Holland - giving the sport an international feel. As many new clubs are formed, so the sport is growing, with most clubs holding there own event for both social get together and to increase the club funds from barbeque proceeds etc., the enable the up-keep of trailers, boats, oars and pins. The development that started ten years ago within the sport has been to rig the boats with a traditional Dipping Lug set of sails So far, Truro, Mounts Bay, Cadgwith, Newquay, Helford and Zennor are set to use them. Watch the sailing race on the Monday morning of Scilly to see the boats in there elegant sails in May . - George Payne.