Arwenack is unveiled at Falmouth Gig Club

It was a great turnout from members of the public with past and present club members, several gathered for the blessing of Arwenack by Reverend Jon Robertshaw, before the first crew took her to the water at the Watersports Centre, Falmouth.

This is Falmouth’s sixth purpose built racing gig with the last one, Governor, being built four years ago with the club renewing its fleet to be able to stay at the top of their game.

With new clubs being formed year on year and existing clubs upping their training, it is ever increasing the competition in the sport so new, lighter, faster race boats are needed to stay ahead.

The gigs are clinker built (of elm) and copper fastened. Nearly 4,000 nails and over 3,000 roves go into the gig boat with over 800 feet of elm being used. When complete a gig is 32 feet long with a beam of at least 4’9”.

The club held a raffle for the first six seats in the boat to get the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the inaugural row and a great fundraiser.

The lucky club members were Lena Budd, Sally Oldrieve, Rebecca Bowyer, Esther Russell, Jeb Preston and Alice Howard, with chairman Nick Maxted at the helm. Cheered on by the spectators, it was successfully launched for her maiden voyage out into Carrick Roads.

Arwenack, which was built by Peter Williams, of Fowey, was put through her paces by the Men’s A and Ladies’ A crews to test her limits in the first training session.

Both crews are aiming to challenge for the World Pilot Gig Championships this year in the hope of bringing the titles back to Falmouth.

One of the men’s rowers said she was "a pleasure to row” and they are looking forward to truly testing it in their first race of the season in Saltash, 3 Rivers, where they will be up against the top crews.

Once the bubbly had settled and the first water had graced Arwenack’s bow through the waves, the club and supporters retired to Five Degrees West for refreshments and to discuss the season ahead.