New under 25s category for rowers at World Pilot Gig Championships

It's hoped it'll encourage more young people from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly into the sport

Author: Megan PricePublished 2nd May 2025

A new under 25s category is included in races at the World Pilot Gig Championships this year.

The annual event on the Isles of Scilly, which sees more than 100 boats entered from across the world, takes place this Bank Holiday weekend.

Around 90 boats from Cornwall are taking part in the event.

Alison Stedeford, rower and junior coach on the Isles of Scilly, said: "It's brilliant to be part of, the atmosphere that gets generated on the start line is something you can't explain."

The new category hopes to encourage more young people into the sport.

Alison added: "The whole point of it is to encourage young new rowers into the sport of gig rowing and recognise them and their achievements.

"It's really great for our Island rowers that they have something they can compete in, on their doorstep, that they don't have to travel away for."

Timetable for the weekend:

Friday 2nd May

0930 Vets Coxs’ Meeting

1130 St Agnes Women Vets

1200 St Agnes Women Super Vets (To include Masters)

1200 Scillonian Arrive

1345 St Agnes Open Vets

1415 St Agnes Open Super Vets (To include Masters)

1430 Scillonian Depart

1630 Nut Rock Women Vets

Followed by Nut Rock Women Super Vets

Followed by Nut Rock Women Masters Final

1800 Nut Rock Open Vets

Followed by Nut Rock Open Super Vets

Followed by Nut Rock Open Masters Final

Saturday 3rd May

0830 Open Championship Coxs’ Meeting

1000 Nut Rock Women Vets Final

1010 Nut Rock Women Super Vets Final

1045 Scillonian Arrive

1100 Nut Rock Open Vets Final

1110 Nut Rock Open Super Vets Final

1230 St Agnes Women Round 1

1400 St Agnes Open Round 1

1515 Nut Rock Women Round 2

1630 Scillonian Depart

1700 Nut Rock Open Round 2

Sunday 4th May

1000 Nut Rock Women Round 3

1145 Nut Rock Open Round 3

1330 Nut Rock Women Final

1530 Nut Rock Open Final

1745 Presentation

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