A DETAIL FROM A MURAL SHOWING THE PILOT GIG ‘NEWQUAY’ FROM THE WALL OF THE NEWQUAY GIG ROWING CLUB IN THE HARBOUR  

 

Cornish Pilot Gigs are 9.8 m long, very thin, super-fast rowing boats. They were first devised in the late 1700s to take a pilot (an experienced local sailor) out to passing ships as fast as possible. The pilot’s knowledge would take the ship safely round the dangerous, rocky coastline of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

 

The ‘Newquay’ gig, built in 1812, is thought to be the oldest rowing boat in the world.  This fabulous mural can be found in the entrance to the Newquay Rowing Club. It was designed and painted by pupils of Tretherras School. Since 1990, 

The Isles of Scilly host the World Pilot Gig Championships.

Kind permission Newquay Rowing Club