About Newquay
Newquay Gig Rowing Club
Newquay Gig Rowing Club was formed in 1921 and contains within its fleet of 8 traditional gig boats, three very special ones indeed. The ‘Newquay' (1812) is believed to be the oldest traditional built gig still regularly used in competitive racing, the Dove built in 1820 by William Peters and the Treffry built in 1838 also by William Peters, whose specification all modern gigs have been subsequently based upon.
Newquay Rowing Club have a very busy fixture list during the season. Apart from training days for novice and junior rowers, several races are held each week, both for men and women's crews. There are races every Wednesday (ladies), Thursday (mens) and every other week on Fridays. These are held in Newquay bay all starting at 7pm around a triangular course, starting and ending at the harbour.
There are three types of race in the Newquay domestic calendar: local, welly and cup races.
LOCAL RACES: These are the most common races in which crews are selected from whoever turns up to row. Rowers are awarded points according to the position in which they finish and at the end of the season the rower with the most points is awarded Rower of the Year.
CUP RACES : Held roughly every two weeks these races are usually pre-picked allowing crews to practice if they wish and depending on the cup will have between 3 and 6 gigs competing.
WELLY RACES
Held every other Friday, the men race to be awarded the welly boot, a hollow mahogany welly trophy in this unofficial club series. Currently there are seven crews contesting to become the welly champions for the year by winning the most races. Welly races have been going for 25 years and are classed as fun races.
The Clubhouse is also a hub of activity with over 500 members. Open from 7pm til close Mon-Fri and 12noon til close Sat/Sun, with live entertainment every Saturday night most notably from Newquay Rowing Club Singers. Temporary memberships are available and new members are always welcome.
For further information click here for Newquay Gig Club website.
