300 Crews set for historic GigRower European Championships

1st July 2026

Around 300 crews from across Europe will compete in the first ever GigRower European Championships, with four days of world-class racing taking place in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park from 2–5 July.

Hosted at the spectacular Mount Edgcumbe Estate, the Championships mark a major milestone for Cornish Pilot Gig rowing, bringing together hundreds of crews to compete for the first European titles across Junior, Senior, Vets, Super Vets and Masters categories.

The Championships will feature a demanding race format designed to reward consistency as well as speed. Adult crews will contest three races in each category – a long start-line seeding race, promotion and relegation heats, before culminating in championship finals. Junior crews will compete in seeding races before battling it out in championship finals on the final day.

Racing begins on Thursday with the Masters and Super Vets categories, before their Finals on Friday. Vets crews begin their campaign with seeding races on Friday before Finals on Saturday. The Championships conclude on Sunday with the Junior and Senior Finals, where the inaugural European champions will be crowned.

Phoebe Millar, Chair of Trustees at the Cornish Pilot Gig Association, said, "The inaugural GigRower European Championships marks an exciting milestone for our sport. As gig rowing continues to grow across the UK and internationally, we're seeing more clubs, more competitors and an ever-growing community. We hope these Championships become an annual fixture, bringing crews together year after year to celebrate the competition, camaraderie and heritage that make gig rowing so special."

With racing taking place on the waters of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, spectators will enjoy continuous action throughout the weekend from Mount Edgcumbe and along Plymouth's waterfront. Those unable to attend can watch live via the GigRower YouTube channel, weather permitting.

Away from the racing, Mount Edgcumbe will host food vendors, traders, licensed bars, camping and live entertainment for competitors and visitors alike. Evening entertainment in the SkyBar marquee includes Cornwall favourite Johnny Cowling on Friday, live music from Josh Currow on Saturday and party band The Sound bringing the Championships to a close on Sunday.

Fergus Muller, Director of Ann's Pasties, said, "We know only too well how hungry gig rowers get, so setting up a dedicated Gig Shop for the Championships was an easy decision. We're looking forward to keeping competitors, volunteers and spectators well fed throughout the weekend with plenty of proper Cornish pasties and local favourites."

The event is expected to attract thousands of competitors, supporters and spectators to South East Cornwall, providing a significant boost for the local visitor economy while showcasing one of the UK's most spectacular coastal sporting venues.

Whether following a favourite club, supporting family and friends or discovering gig rowing for the first time, spectators can expect four days of thrilling racing in one of the country's most iconic waterfront settings.

Public admission is free, with all welcome. Spectators will enjoy world-class racing on the water and the Big Screen, alongside a programme of entertainment, food and drink throughout the Championships.

Event Highlights

• Around 300 crews competing
• The inaugural GigRower European Championships
• Racing across Junior, Senior, Vets, Super Vets and Masters categories
• Three-stage championship format for adult crews, culminating in European finals
• Racing in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
• Live streaming via the GigRower YouTube channel (weather permitting)
• Food village, traders and licensed bars
• Live entertainment every evening
• Camping available throughout the event
• Free admission for spectators and visitors