Impressions of the Gig Racing World Championships by a
Scillies Virgin.

 I can sum it up in one word AWESOME!  I have been too, and taken part in, some pretty amazing sporting events like Crufts, Wimbledon, Great North & South Runs, Horse of the Year Show and numerous trips to “Twickers” no jokes about hookers please! I have to say that the Scillies weekend was definitely the best yet. It started for me on Fri afternoon when ‘Eller Helen, Handy Andy and I, Dippy Di, went on a pub crawl to find everyone/anyone from the St Ives club. We couldn’t find anyone and ended up in a teashop. It was the one and only pub-crawl where not 1 alcoholic drink was drunk! Needless to say we all made up for it later let alone the rest of the weekend.

1st race Sat. and I’m so nervous. The long row to the start went by so quickly, mainly because I couldn’t get to grips with the Atlantic rollers. As the gig rode up the wave my oar got lost under at least 5 feet of water and on the other side the oar wasn’t long enough to reach it! Very frustrating but something I hope to master. Quick turn around with loads of encouragement from Just Puff our Cox, “Relax, don’t rush it, try to enjoy it, remember to breath, (always useful that one), here we go, get ready & GO”.  All I can remember about the rest of that race was, “LEGS, 75% on three strokes I want 100%, TIMING, good, full paddles (refer to above!!!),” “OK, we’re over the finish line” PPPPHHHHEEEWWWWW!!! We beached the Porthminster, handed her over to the lads, got back to the tent and the three Scillies Virgin’s, Silly Sarah, Babbie Abi and I shed a tear or three from sheer relief, joy, pride and a feeling of, in the words of Mad Maggs, “we can do this”.

Second race on Sat. afternoon was a bit of a rush and needed much effort to get to the start line in time. The sea had calmed right down and with the wind behind us we rowed pretty well as a team. The rowing was becoming enjoyable. We more or less stayed in the middle of the pack in our heat. All boats safe and sound and time for food and socialising in the pub.  Forgot about food, as the refreshments seemed to take over!! We all shared our stories and got to know one another better. Tristan became Sultan to the lady “B”elles and ended up on a toadstool in Handy’s garden. Handy doesn’t live on the Scillies, ask her!!

Sunday arrived and I can’t find the t-shirt that all of the “B”elles had for the last race. Dippy by name and nature. Not to worry. The 3rd race and lots of laughing and by now the ability to row and to start taking in the scenery. Wow, look at all the other gigs. A fantastic sight. What must the 1st race have been like? Ask all those who have been before and they say the same thing; it’s an incredible and unforgettable sight. End of the 3rd race and Puff’s face said it all, we rowed like a team!! Bring on the 4th race. The start was pretty painful; we all had broken blisters on hands, fingers and backsides, not pleasant. Again, “Get Ready” and all pain forgotten. We rowed the best we ever rowed as a team, full paddles, long strokes, full use of legs, sometimes rushing, but otherwise beautifully controlled by Puff and YES we made 101th position. We beat 14 other teams including one A team! The cheering, corks flying, congratulations, camaraderie and crying that went on in the harbour on St Mary’s will stay with me forever. We cheered for the winners on the podium and vowed to be there next year (!). Then onto the last of the socialising in the Scillionan followed by the beach B-B-Q with music, did I really dance in that mosh pit? Texting my beloved on the beach at 1.00am was much appreciated by him, what is it with the signal on St Mary’s? That’s the only time I ever got a text to send!!

6.15 am and time for ‘Eller and I to get up to get to the airport by 7.00am in order to catch our 8.00am flight. Never been so sorry to leave such an experience. My grateful and hearty thanks to all who made it possible.  Love you all, make mine a pint!