World-class rowing event drew 150 people to Bermuda

The Bermuda International Gig (BIG) Regatta, supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, closed on
Saturday 31 October with the Chubb Central Challenge at Spanish Point Boat Club (SPBC), after a week in which the weather tested crews and organisers alike. Thirty-one crews and 210 participants from Bermuda, the UK, Ireland and the US took part in the Bermuda Pilot Gig Club’s (BPGC) fifth international regatta. This event has grown with each edition, and more than 150 visitors travelled to Bermuda for it this year, as part of Bermuda’s growth as a world-class rowing destination.

In Saturday’s Women’s 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 Bermuda’s Able Seamen, with Cattewater and Dart third. Both River Teign crews also won their finals on Wednesday, when racing opened with the Somers Medical Mixer at Sandys Boat Club.

In the Women’s Plate Final, Mná na Mara finished first, ahead of Thundercats, with Salt, Sand & Stone third. St Michael’s won the Men’s Plate Final, followed by Rock and Brixham and CRAC. Cattewater and Dart won the Women’s 3rd Bracket or “Wooden Spoon” Final, ahead of Sassy Strokes and Westcountry Wanderers.

Eight Bermuda crews raced alongside 23 visiting crews, and the home fleet held its own. Able Seamen won Wednesday’s Men’s Plate Final and took second in Saturday’s Men’s Final, and a combination crew of the Dirty Oars plus Sassy Strokes won Wednesday’s Women’s Plate Final.

“Our rowers and volunteers made the most of weather that didn’t go to plan, and the standard of racing was superb. Our visitors have praised Bermuda’s welcome, and with the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s support, we were delighted to welcome so many rowers, both returning and new, to this year’s BIG Regatta,” shared Chris Hardy, Regatta Committee Chairperson.

Our visitors are leaving with a great taste of Bermuda, despite the limited amount of sunshine. Bermuda, once again, proved it’s a rowing destination worth the trip, and our hospitality shines bright.

Regatta week began with a welcome reception, where old friends caught up, new ones met, and every participant received a plastic-free swag bag including an event shirt, hat, sunglasses and a reusable cup with a straw. Gale-force winds then forced the cancellation of the first day of racing, so the visiting crews explored the town of St George’s, and the BIG Regatta Committee hosted lunch, dinner and games at Moongate Brewery. Each race day brought challenging, windy conditions, but all crews rowed superbly. In between race days, there were Bermuda excursions and social rows all around the island. Once the racing was complete, the fun continued with a Halloween party and, you guessed it, more rowing!

The BIG Regatta is supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Chubb, Somers Medical and Somers Dermatology, Walkers, Resolution Life, Orbis, and Deloitte. The club also thanks Spanish Point Boat Club, Sandys Boat Club, East End Mini Yacht Club, Moongate Brewery, its volunteers, its event committee, all of the participants, and everyone who stopped by to support our rowers.

For many of our rowers, this was their first time competing, and they did it in very challenging conditions. BPGC is proud of every rower who took part, and hopes to see its visiting crews again in two years’ time, if not before. Anyone curious about the sport is invited to come out for a taster row. BPGC welcomes all skill levels, and details are at bermudapilotgigclub.com.