International Gig Regatta Kicks Off On Sunday
More than 70 rowers will take part in the Argus Invitational Gig Regatta, which is set to begin this Sunday [Oct 23].
A spokesperson said, “Over 70 rowers will take to the waters of Bermuda over the following week for three days of spirited competition and high-energy pilot gig racing. The public is invited to cheer on the local and visiting crews in the Argus Invitational Gig Regatta – catch the action from land or sea this Sunday at Spanish Point Boat Club and other venues next week.
“The competition will be fierce, with two days of all-male and all-female crews racing in staggered heats. This is the first time in four years that local crews have the opportunity to test their training and compete with visiting rowers after the regatta planned for 2020 was postponed.
Event Schedule
- “Sunday, October 23: The Spanish Point Challenge will see men’s & ladies’ crews battling it out from 9:30am to 4:00pm in the Great Sound. Viewing from the Spanish Point Boat Club or bring your boat out to follow the races on the water. Racing schedule will break for lunch at 12:30pm.
- “Wednesday, October 26: The St. George’s Sprint will have a fun atmosphere as co-ed crews will be mixed up of local and visiting rowers for some friendly racing from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the St. George’s Harbour. There will be excellent viewing of the finish line from the East End Mini Yacht Club.
- “Saturday, October 29: The Mangrove Bay Finale is where the men’s and ladies’ crews return with the aim of leading their fellow competition around Mangrove Bay from 9:30am to 4:30pm. There are many great viewpoints of Mangrove Bay, but head to the host venue, Sandys Boat Club, for local commentary and the Closing Party & Awards Presentation from 5:00pm. Racing schedule will break for lunch at 12:30pm.
St. George’s Ladies Crew [2018]
“After a pause due to the 2020 event being postponed, the 2022 Argus International Regatta is the third time BPGC has hosted this biennial event that was started in 2016, just one year after the local club was formed. The club is excited to welcome back many returning rowers and encourages Bermuda to watch the action by land or sea at all of the venues and cheer on the Island’s pilot gig rowers. All events are free for spectators.
“This event has been made possible by our event sponsors: Argus, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Axis, and Chubb, with added support from John Barritt & Son.
Potluck Co-ed Crews [2018]
Wayne Swan, rowing advocate and Claims Engineer Specialist, Argus Americas, said, “Argus is extremely excited to support the 2022 International Regatta as the title sponsor, an honour we have held since 2018. The Bermuda Pilot Gig Club offers opportunities to community members aged 14 to 70+ to learn a new sport and foster team camaraderie while promoting health and wellness.
“Our relationship with the club has grown since 2015, when we joined as a part of a wellness initiative to try something new as a team and exercise while having fun. At Argus, we promote healthy lifestyles and encourage the community to come out and cheer on the rowers in what is sure to be a very exciting 3-day racing event.”
Ladies Final Race- the start line [2018]
The spokesperson said, “Gig rowing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and Bermuda is no different, with 9 pilot gig boats on the island, 150 members and regular rowing taking place at East, Central, and West locations since the club formed 7 years ago. Gig rowing has deep roots in Bermuda’s maritime history and culture – it is a wonderful way to enjoy our natural beauty, while getting fit and participating in a tradition that has found new life in a sporting and social environment.”
