Gig racing is a very popular sport here in Cornwall and most coastal villages have their own rowing club.
It is a sport which dates back hundreds of years, to the days when tall ships would arrive off the coast and would need a pilot to guide them into port. It was quite a well paid job and competition was stiff to be the first pilot to reach any new ships. So teams of rowers were enlisted to help these pilots be the first to offer their services to any incoming vessel.
It has become very popular with lady rowers in recent years as it is a very good way of keeping fit and toning just about every muscle in your body. It is also much nicer to be rowing along the beautiful Cornish coast than pumping iron in a sweaty smelly gym.
