New Island gig rowing club 'over the moon' after award of £10,000 boat
A ROWING club on the Isle of Wight has won a traditional gig boat worth £10,000 in a national competition.
Brading Haven Gig Rowers were this week awarded the wooden gig, named 'Old Harry', by Swanage Sea Rowing Club.
The established south coast club decided to give away the gig, in storage the past three years, to a 'developing' club.
Brading Haven Gig Rowers, founded by Sarah Price and Polly Schafer 18 months ago, made a successful application to Swanage Sea Rowing Club to receive the boat.
'Old Harry' arrives at Brading Haven Yacht Club in Bembridge earlier this week. (Image: Sarah Price) On behalf of the club, Sarah said: "We are absolutely over the moon to receive this incredible boat.
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"As a new gig rowing club, to have our own gig so early in our development, is amazing.
"The club has gone from strength-to-strength, with 40 members of all ages enjoying this fantastic and inclusive sport."
The gig was built in 2001 by Alan Hangar, at his workshop on Weymouth Quay, is to be renamed and rebranded.
It cost Swanage Sea Rowing Club around £10,000.
Swanage's women's crew finished 14th at the World Pilot Gigs Championships in 'Old Harry', at the Scilly Isles in 2006.
The club's chair, Adrian Charters, delivered the boat safely to her new home in Bembridge this week.
"As part of the celebration, we launched her at Brading Haven Yacht Club," Adrian said.
"Despite having sat in a barn for three years, she rowed like a dream.
Polly Schafer, left, and Sarah Price, who co-founded the Brading Haven Gig Rowers, celebrate receipt of 'Old Harry'. (Image: Sarah Price)
(Image: Sarah Price) "We took her for a 6km row around the forts, then back to the club for a celebration.
"We're delighted she's gone to such a good home and used daily by Brading Haven's gig rowers."
Swanage Sea Rowing Club said it was important to support another new club and have 'Old Harry' used regularly again.
Polly added: "What could be better? To have a gig our rowers can enjoy and our sailors can try too!
"We're looking forward to lots of exciting plans for gig Rowing in Bembridge this year, collaborating closely with our friends at Yarmouth Gig Rowing, and clubs like Langstone and Swanage, who've been incredibly supportive.
"Gig rowing is a fantastic, community-focussed activity for all ages, that brings people together for fun on the water."
