Falmouth Week gig race (From Boating Cornwall)

Falmouth Week gig race

11:28am Wednesday 5th August 2009 in

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Activities on the water during Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week will not be limited to sailing.

A gig challenge has been added to the list of events that are being organised, helping to ensure that Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week is not just for sailors, but for everyone.

The ladies will race on Tuesday, August 11, mixed veterans on Wednesday, August 12, and the men on Thursday, August 13. All races start at 7.30pm with a straight pull from Carricknath Point near the Black Rock, to the finishing line near Port Pendennis Marina.

Invitations have been extended to clubs in Falmouth Bay and inside St Anthony Lighthouse, and up to ten gigs are expected to take part in the races.

Spectators and supporters can get close up to the gigs thanks to Enterprise Boats, who are offering special trips to view the racing. The spectator boat leaves from Number Five Steps on Prince of Wales Pier at 7pm every evening. The one-and-a-half-hour trips, which cost £5 per person, can be pre-booked on 01326 374241.

Organiser Alan Barnes said: “This is the first time we have held this event, and we have received terrific support.

“The Truro Harbour Master’s boat will provide the start boat, and the Falmouth Harbour Master’s patrol boat will have the finish officer aboard. A&P Falmouth is providing storage space for any club that needs to leave a gig in Falmouth, and the RNLI has offered its slipway for launching. We’re even able to offer the winning teams some prizes thanks to the generous support of Skinner’s Brewery.”

Port of Falmouth Sailing Association chairman Steve Nicholls said: “Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week is for everyone. I hope that the participating clubs have a good time and enjoy being part of it.”