Roseland made it look easy in the men’s long race, taking first place in the World Pilot Gig Championships grouping stage.

The crew led from early on and ended where they started, putting them in a good position for the first sprint race later on.

Coverack’s gig Morah took a strong second place, moving their way through the first part of the field to be runners up.

They were followed by Currah’s Pride of Looe, Arwenack of Falmouth, Spurr of Truro and a surprise appearance for London Cornish in Phoenix in fifth.

Also making the first 12, and therefore placing in the first group in the sprints, were Tregarthen’s of St Mary’s, Essa of Caradon, Kensa of Mount’s Bay, Ann Glanville from Caradon, Concorde of Bristol, Tamarisk of Cadgwith and a third crew for Caradon in Amazon taking the final spot.

Heford River’s gig Helford just missed out on a place in the first group, coming in 13th.

A total 159 gigs are rowing in the men’s races in the Isles of Scilly this year.

Round two of racing will see the first of the ladies’ sprints from Nut Rock begin at 3.15pm and the men’s race at 5pm.

Tomorrow, weather conditions allowing, the third round of racing will begin at 10am with the ladies’ race from Nut Rock, followed by the men’s at 11.45am, when gigs in the second group will be hoping to move up into the top 12 for a place in the finals that afternoon – and those already there will be battling to stay.

The ladies’ final gets underway at 1.30pm tomorrow, with the men’s at 3.30pm.