Gig rowing runs through the veins of every Scillonian and watching these colourful boats and crews practice and race is a sight to behold. Heralding from the late eighteenth century, when local pilot boats guided sailing ships to the Cornish shores, these boats have always been built for competition – as the pilot gig that got to the ship first got the job and the wage. Gig racing can be watched every Wednesday and Saturday evenings any time of the year with the racing calendar culminating in the World Pilot Gig Championships in the waters off St. Mary’s. The event attracts thousands of rowers and supporters from across the globe for a weekend of passionate rowing and revelry alike. The Mermaid Tavern, and any of the off-island pubs, are full of merriment, sea shanties and beer fumes. For events check notice boards around Hugh Town or website https://www.gigrower.co.uk/events/
Visiting St Mary’s
Check out our island page for St Mary’s for more information
You might also be interested in:
- Walk the coastal path around the whole island – see our Islandeering route
- Walk The Garrison
- Flowers of St Mary’s
- Visit islets off St Mary’s
- Wild swimming on St Mary’s
- Scilly Swim Challenge & inter-island swims
- Coasteering on St Mary’s
- Visiting ancient and historic sites
- Sea kayaking
- Spotting whales and dolphins
Islands nearby
The other Scilly Isles are also excellent destinations and all within easy reach of St Mary’s using the characterful inter-island boats.
St Helen’s
Annet
Other islands of the British Isles
We have explored nearly 600 islands in the British Isles and are trying to write them up as fast as we can. Check more here or contact us as we are happy to share our info.
Further information
Our two books are stacked with more ideas on what to do in the Channel Islands and more more info here
