Mounts Bay Pilot Gig Club

Est 1986

Mission Statement 

Mount’s Bay Pilot Gig Club is committed to providing the best possible environment for our members to reach their maximum rowing potential by providing excellence through training and support. We aim to provide an atmosphere where all individuals can row recreationally and competitively whilst maintaining a safe, friendly and equitable environment encouraging teamwork and success in all aspects of the club.

1. Safety – Our aim is to provide a safe environment for all our members both on the water and in preparing the boats to come on and off the water.  
2. Training – We provide training for racing crews, social crews and coxes to ensure that all reach their full potential.
3. Inclusivity – We welcome all members, both racing and social.
4. Dedication – MBPGC expects all members to make a commitment to the club and to their crew.
5. Accountability – We will be transparent about how and why we operate the way we do.
6. Enjoyment – By providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment we aim to enhance our members’ enjoyment of the sport. 
7. Respect – We expect our members to show respect to their fellow members at all times and to conduct themselves in a respectful manner when representing the club.
8. Excellence – We will set and work towards achieving high standards for our club
9. Integrity – We will act in in a fair and transparent manner

About the club

Mounts Bay Pilot Gig club is based in Marazion, near Penzance in West Cornwall. It was established in 1986 and since then, has grown in strength, being one of the larger competitive clubs in the area. The club has three wooden gigs, Kensa (2003), Cormoran (2010) and Ictis (2022). In addition to the wooden boats the club also owns three plastic training boats, Breeze, Lady Sue and St Aubyn.

Cornish Pilot Gig rowing is a traditional form of rowing that uses the Cornish Pilot Gig, a type of boat that has a rich history and is closely associated with the maritime heritage of Cornwall, England. Here are some key points about it:

• Design: The Cornish Pilot Gig is a six-oared rowing boat, clinker-built from Cornish narrow-leaf elm. 
• History: These boats were among the first shore-based lifeboats, aiding vessels in distress with recorded rescues dating back to the late 17th century. 
• Racing: Today, Pilot Gigs are primarily used for sport, with around 100 clubs worldwide. The main concentration of clubs is in Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly. 
• Construction and Regulation: All modern racing gigs are based on the lines of the gig ‘Treffry’, built in 1838 which is owned by Newquay Rowing Club. 
• The Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA) is the governing body of the sport.