The Bermuda Pilot Gig Club’s Bermuda International Gig (BIG) Regatta got under way on Wednesday with a full day of racing in windy, challenging conditions at the Somers Medical Mixer. Thirty-one crews from Bermuda, the UK, Ireland and the US are competing, with 210 rowers including coxes.
Sunday’s racing was cancelled for safety because of gale-force winds, but the visiting crews made the most of the wait. Regatta week opened on Saturday with a welcome reception, where old friends caught up, and every crew received a goodie bag. On Sunday, crews explored the town of St George’s and took shelter at Moongate Brewery, where the Regatta Committee hosted lunch, dinner and games. On Monday and Tuesday, crews explored Bermuda, and a few braved the chance of rain to get out on the water for practice and relocation rows.
Wednesday’s racing ran from 9am to 5pm. In the Ladies Final, Sargasso Sirens (River Teign) took first place ahead of Bermuda Tri-Angels, with Looe and Lyme Regis third. In the Men’s Final, Oar-rite (River Teign) finished first, followed by Rame and St Goran, with St Michael’s third.
Bermuda crews had plenty to celebrate. A combination crew of Dirty Oars plus Sassy Strokes won the Ladies Plate Final, Able Seamen won the Men’s Plate Final, and Salt, Sand & Stone, a crew drawn from Exmouth, Portland and Bermuda, won the Ladies 3rd Bracket Final.
Chris Hardy, BIG Regatta Chairperson: “Our rowers have taken everything the last few days have thrown at them (some rain and lots of wind), and the quality of the racing today in those conditions was superb. Our visitors have told us how welcome they feel, and Bermuda has been looking after them whatever the weather.”
The regatta is supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Chubb, Somers Medical and Somers Dermatology, Walkers and Resolution Life. The Bermuda Tourism Authority’s backing is helping to build Bermuda as a world-class rowing destination, bringing crews and supporters from overseas to stay, spend and see the island. The club also thanks Moongate Brewery for its hospitality, as well as its dedicated volunteers and event committee.
Racing resumes on Saturday 31 October at Spanish Point Boat Club, from 9am to 5pm, with the Chubb Central Challenge. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to bring their Bermuda Spiri
