By Isle of Wight Observer
Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club delivered a standout performance in this year’s Cockleshell Challenge — an open sea race held in the Solent by Eastney Cruising Association, in honour of the Cockleshell Heroes of the Second World War.
The nine-mile course began at the Cruising Association’s base and headed out to Horse Sands Fort before returning. A total of 28 fixed-seat boats took part, including 11 Cornish Pilot Gigs, with Yarmouth entering their gig Sea Spirit.
Crews started in staggered phases, with different classes setting off at three-minute intervals. Yarmouth began twenty-fourth, but overtook 20 boats during the race to finish fourth across the line — a remarkable effort in open sea conditions.
Once class handicaps were applied, Yarmouth’s results were outstanding: They were fifth fastest overall and placed second on handicap — missing the top spot by just seven seconds. They were also first in their class (out of seven GRP Cornish Gigs), first in the open/men’s category (13 crews), and first among the super-vets (over 50) crews (12 crews).
Cox, Bill Freshwater, said: “This was a very competitive field and so for us this was a tremendous effort from the entire crew. It was one of those days when all the hard work we put in on training rows just came together.
“This is such a growing sport, and it’s nice to see the Isle of Wight making its mark against some of the bigger clubs the other side of the Solent.”