Salcombe Estuary Row­ing Club will be holding their annual gig rowing regatta this Sunday at Cliff House Gardens in Salcombe.

Twenty clubs from across the Westcountry, including the home team, will be racing on the estuary all afternoon from midday.

This is a fiercely competitive sport and races are hard fought, which makes for a great spectator sport. There will also be refreshments, barbecue and raffle.

Gig rowing is one of the fastest growing water sports, with over 50 clubs affiliated to the Cornish Pilot Gig Association and more clubs being formed every year.

Modern gigs follow the original specifications as laid down by the Peters family in the form of the gig 'Treffry'(1838), which is still actively rowed.

Built from narrow leaf (ideally) Cornish elm, the modern gig is a speedy and seaworthy craft. Modern gig racing is based on the original use for the craft, which was to take pilots and goods to tall ships unable to get into harbour. The fastest gig would 'win' the business.