Before I set out for the Isles of Scilly on a cold Friday morning, I knew nothing of what to expect from the World Pilot Gig Championships.

Obviously the thousands who descend on St Mary's for the first weekend of May have rowing at the forefront of their minds, but between the beer, the camaraderie, the close harmony singing, that's just a small part of the tournament's appeal.

Our club, Nankersey Rowing Club, formed a small contingent among the crowds thronging town beach on Saturday and Sunday, joining teams from all over Cornwall and the southwest, as well as Dutch rowers, a London team in a borrowed boat, and crews from Ireland, the USA and even Bermuda.

After seeing our ladies' supervets team pull through wind and rain for their Friday afternoon race, my crew got our first taste of Scillies rowing when we rowed out for an evening practice session.

There were shouts of 'find your water' from our cox, Jane, as the seas rolled in, towering over the gunwale. One minute I was pulling my oar through thin air as the sea dropped away, the next it would almost hit me in the face when it stuck as I experienced what every rower dreads - catching a crab.

I know I went in that evening with plenty of food for thought, but Saturday morning dawned fine and we set out for the long race - 135 boats all setting off together from St Agnes to St Mary's before being sorted into heats for the rest of the weekend.

Our team rowed well, feeling strong and confident as we slid past the island's historic fortifications in a battle with Old Harry, a boat we would see again and again over the weekend, and crossed the line into the harbour in the middle of the field. While we were all pleased, having kept a strong, steady pace throughout, even in the final stretch when your legs and your lungs scream stop, one midships rower Sean was ecstatic: it was his best ever finish and, he told us, a Nankersey record for the men's team.

Things got even better for our first short race, which saw us hold a good start through to the finish line ahead of a strong Gorran Haven team in Vault. None of the rowers in our boat Serafina could believe we were first at the start, let alone the finish.

Promoted up a division, the next day saw us hold our position in mid-table, competing against Old Harry again as all the crews began to tire, and finally finishing in 68th position. Our team did Nankersey proud, battling more rolling seas in biting weather. We felt somewhere between jubilant and exhausted afterwards, grabbing a beer in the boat and settling in to see Falmouth retain their title. Then it was on to an island pub for shanties and more crew bonding.

On the return boat the next day, still sporting last night's face paint and a slight hangover, I set my sights on returning next year. Now I know exactly what to expect from the World Pilot Gig Championships.

Nankersey always welcomes new rowers, with no experience needed. For information visit www.nankerseyrowingclub.com/