History of the Cattewater

 Pilot Gig Club 

              

               

 

 

 

Mens A crew at the Isles of Scilly

Men's A crew with Pilgrim at the Isles of Scilly

Men's B crew with Catalina at the Isles of Scilly

Men's B crew with Catalina at the Isles of Scilly

Ladies crews with Pilgrim at the Isles of Scilly

Ladies crews with Pilgrim at the Isles of Scilly

 

 

The Club

The club’s home is the village of Turnchapel, Plymouth, which used to have working gigs up until the early part of the 20th century. The gig club had its first meetings in 1997 and by September 1998 we had our first gig the Catalina built and launched at Mashfords Yard, Cremyll.

In 2003 we were very fortunate to receive lottery funding which went towards a second gig which, in keeping with the local theme, was named Pilgrim, launched in February 2004.

We have recently purchased another gig, Odessa which is new for 2006, and is currently in need of work.

We currently base our gigs at the Mount Batten Centre, Mount Batten, Plymouth.

 

 

Odessa awaiting repair

We have competitively a Ladies A and B, Men’s A and B, Veteran and under 16 crews which take part in the regattas. The club is exceptionally active, attending regattas most weekends from Swanage to Penzance through out the rowing season. We also participate in the World Championships, the Great London River Race, and events held in Holland. At a local level we have attended events such as Plymouths Lord Mayors Day and talks to local groups.

Men's A crew taking part in the Eddystone Challange

Men's A Crew at the Eddystone Challenge start line

 Our crews are becoming increasingly successful with the club currently in the top 10 out of over 30 clubs that take part in the International Paints series of regattas.  

Our future challenges include attracting more rowers of all ages, for competitive and social rowing, and finding a building to store the gigs indoors. Being a big city youngsters have many opportunities to take part in sport and finding a way to attract and keep juniors in such a physically demanding sport is difficult.  

  Men's B laughing nervously at the start of the

 Eddystone Challenge, not realising what they were in for!

 We try where possible to assist charities and over the last few years we have supported St Lukes Hospice and the RNLI, by being sponsored for taking part in events such as the Eddystone Challenge. In November 1999 we organised a re-enactment of two rescues undertaken by pilot gigs in their role as lifeboats at the turn of the Century. The Plymouth lifeboat attended as part of their commemoration for 175 years of service.
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