Photos & Video: Pilot Gig Club Host Regatta

The Governor, Deputy Governor, MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser and MP Lovitta Foggo all hit the waters yesterday [Nov 7] to take part in the Pilot Gig Rowing Regatta in the east end.

The Bermuda Pilot Gig Club [BPGC], in conjunction with the Bermuda Diabetes Association, hosted the regatta at the East End Mini Yacht Club, with the regatta consisting of three races.

Each race had three boats — which are all named in honour of Bermudian Pilots – competing, with six rowers and one coxswain in each boat.  The first race, the Veteran’s Race, was won by the boat “Jemmy Darrell” with Anson Nash as coxswain.

The second race, the Celebrity Race, was won by the boat “Harry Fox” with Roger Gillett as coxswain.

The crew of the “Harry Fox” included the Governor and MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser; the crew of the “John Simmons” included the Deputy Governor and her husband; and the crew of the “Jemmy Darrell” included MP Lovitta Foggo and St. George’s Town Crier David Frith.

The third race saw the Ladies and Men’s racing teams mixing it up and competing for the Governor’s Cup, with the race won by the “Harry Fox” with Roger Gillett as coxswain.

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Pilot gigs began in Bermuda in the 1600′s, and years ago pilot gigs would compete for the opportunity to pilot ships approaching the island, as the first boat to reach the ship would get the job.

Modern technology means pilots no longer row out to greet boats, however the concept remains, with pilot gigs now primarily used for sport and recreation, with around 100 clubs across the globe.

The BPGC was formed earlier this year with three gigs in St. George’s operating out of the East End Mini Yacht Club. The BPGC currently has more than 70 active rowers, and plans to expand its fleet to 6 gigs.

Click to enlarge photos:

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