Gigs

Scilly is proud of its gig rowing heritage and each year in May, the islands host the 'World Pilot Gig Championships'. 

At the gallery we love the atmosphere during the event and like to adorn our windows with gig inspired artwork and flags! 

History of Gig rowing
In the 1800s, a crew of men and a local pilot would row out in a gig to larger ships.  The pilot would expertly guide the ship safely into or through the archipelago. As well as covering local waters, many of the pilots were ‘Sea Pilots’ and licensed to guide vessels to ports further afield. The pilot and crew which reached the ship first would win the lucrative pilotage contract. The gigs were also used as lifeboats when ships were wrecked and would head out in all weathers to recover casualties and cargo. In more recent years, gig rowing has become a competitive sport and races regularly take place between the islands throughout the summer months. The boats used are a mix of original boats, such as the Bonnet which was built in 1830, and newer boats, built especially for racing, but to a traditional specification. The World Pilot Gig Championships was launched in the Isles of Scilly in 1990 and has grown over the years to become one of the busiest weekends in the Scillonian calendar.