The Third Gig  - Isolde

This is where our new gig will be built

Gig building is very 'cottage industry' and this is where you will see the production of  our third gig.  David Currah is the name of the builder, and his shed has been in situ for a very long time, in a corner of a field up above West Looe, with a few other ancient huts and a jumble of smallish boats waiting to go back into the water for the summer.  A fine rowing vessel which has been built to the highest standards with love and attention to detail will leave this shed in 12 months time

Further updates will follow on the build, so keep checking this page!

 

The picture above is of Alan Hanger, who built our two gigs Sir Tristan and Penny, with David Currah who is to build the next one.

 

Sir Tristan

 

 

 

 

Cornish Pilot Gig Dream Becomes A Reality

 

Penny

Alan hanger started building 'Penny' in October 2001. Two more logs of elm were obtained
from Suttons Timber at Helmsely Saw Mill. These had come from Denmark. Keroin was used
this time for the keel and for the gunwhales. The stem and stern knee were from the same
log used in Sir Tristan. American White Oak was used for the timbers. Oak rather than elm
was preferred for the thole pin blocks.

She was launched on 2nd February 2002 and named Penny after Simon Penny, a great
friend of Tristans who had died in Weymouth just after Christmas 1999, about nine months
before Tristan's death.

Getting the gigs out and putting away

  •  It is all hands on deck!  All rosers in a crew are expected to help launch the gig and put it away afterwards
  •  Always try to keep the gig on an even keel by suppporitng it on both sides - or the keel becomes damaged
  •  Lift the gig by the seats and struts where possible - not by the gunnels, which are not strong enough
  •  Make sure the gig has chocks supporting it before you leave it.  It should not wobble at all
  •  Make sure the bung is in before you put the gig in water and remove it after the session
  •  Try to respect the paintwork as much as possible
  •  Take care of the oars and be aware of the blades when putting them down or carrying them
  •  If the gig is to be left outside, ensure that the covers are on securely

Getting in and out of the Gigs

  •  Do not stand on the seats
  •  Get in and out one at a time
  •  Make sure that there is at least one fender between the gig and the pontoon or harbour wall to avoid damage to the boat
  •  Keep oars shipped or away from the slipway or pontoon when the gig is moored, and especially as it is rowed in after a session.  Otherwise the blades will be damaged
  •  The coxn is in charge of the boat at all times and is responsible for safety, so must be obeyed!  Please remember there is only one coxn in the boat (this is also true in races)