By Isle of Wight Observer
Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club (YGRC) has enjoyed a splendid start to the 2026 season, taking part in the first Three Harbours event of the year in Chichester Harbour on Saturday.
Seventeen boats and 150 rowers from various southern clubs assembled for the ‘Head of the Harbour Regatta’, hosted by the Itchenor Sailing Club.
A total of 14 rowers from YGRC set off, together with their Cornish Pilot Gig, Sea Spirit, with one crew competing in the mixed race (crews with at least three ladies) and one in the open (crews of any composition).
The course was a 10km (6 1/4 mile) circuit starting in front of Itchenor Sailing Club, racing to East Head, rounding a buoy and returning to finish at the start line. In both races they were competing in the fixed-seat category, In the open competition they won Fastest Cornish Pilot Gig and first overall. In the mixed race they acheived fastest Cornish Pilot Gig and fourth overall.
Chairman, Keith Campbell, said: “It was great to see such team spirit and camaraderie, with everyone supporting each other, and particularly gratifying to gain a first-place trophy right at the beginning of the season. If we can keep this up during 2026, it bodes well for a successful and enjoyable year.”
Open crew: Sarah Forster (stroke), Nick Mills, Terry Simms, Geoff Olden, Andy Woodbridge, Clive Kite and Bill Freshwater (cox); mixed crew: Fiona Thorpe (stroke), Rosanne Martin, Mark Farrar, Caroline Pakel, Paula Mills, Keith Campbell, and Sam Hotchin (cox).