The Cornish Pilot Gig Association has announced the launch of the GigRower European Championships, a major new competition set to take place at Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall, on Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th July 2026.
The GigRower European Championships will welcome CPGA clubs from across the UK alongside international crews, creating a competitive and inclusive championships environment. The competition will feature categories across all age groups, including Juniors, Seniors, Vets, Super Vets, and Masters.
The format will include three races for each adult category. Each adult category will begin with a long start-line seeding race, followed by promotion and relegation heats where crews may move up or down, before concluding with a championship final. Junior crews will compete in a long start-line seeding race directly followed by a championship final.
Phoebe Millar, CPGA Chairperson, said: “With more than 8,000 active gig rowers worldwide, the launch of the GigRower European Championships marks an important new step for the sport. This event celebrates competitive excellence while strengthening connections between clubs, supporting development pathways, and giving the wider community a chance to be part of a championship event for everyone to enjoy.”
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park will host the event, with racing taking place in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Races will be visible from both Mount Edgcumbe and Plymouth Hoe, providing a colourful spectacle from the shore. Spectators, supporters, families, local communities, and visitors can watch in person or via live-stream coverage on the GigRower YouTube channel.
Alongside the racing, the event will offer on-site camping, social spaces, and entertainment, giving crews and supporters the opportunity to connect off the water in a festival atmosphere.
Crews will provide their own boats and clubs may enter multiple crews in each category. There are currently more than 240 registered Cornish Pilot Gigs and it will be an impressive and colourful spectacle to see a large fleet racing in Plymouth Sound.
Crew entries will be managed via JustGo. For more information about the event click here. To enter crews visit the CPGA website.
Photo credit: Jade Colton