Portishead Pilot Gig Club was established in 2017 to bring the exciting, social and competitive sport of sea rowing to our hometown of Portishead. Since then, the club has been overwhelmed with the enthusiasm, interest and support from local residents and has grown significantly in just a short space of time, with fast approaching 60 members and another 50 on the waiting list.

In order to meet the local demand and represent our home town at regattas around the southwest and at a national level, the club desperately needs its very own racing gig. We have recently received a grant of £10,000 from Sport England to help towards the commissioning of a traditional wooden pilot racing gig for the town of Portishead, however we still need to raise £15,000. A racing gig will enable more people within our local community to try this fantastic new sport.

The competitive world of cornish pilot gig racing has spread from the Isles of Scilly, Devon and Cornwall to much further a field, with clubs now as far as London, the Netherlands and even across the Atlantic Ocean in the Carribean.

Being on the water promotes health and wellbeing, improves fitness and can prevent social isolation. In doing so brings people from all ages and walks of life together who share a love of the sport.

The club has had the most incredible first year, with huge support from their main sponsor Portishead Quays Marina and other local sponsors and businesses. The club has grown quickly, and now as a result has a membership of 58, with another 50 on the waiting list ready to start the Learn to Row programme.

Thank you for donating!