Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club has finished the season on a high after taking part in the annual Head of the Ouse race in Sussex last Saturday (27th September), securing 2nd place overall in the Cornish Pilot Gig (GRP) class.
The event, held on the River Ouse, challenges crews to a demanding 10km route through the scenic South Downs, running from the port of Newhaven to Lewes and back.
Open to all types of fixed seat rowing craft, the race features two legs: an upriver men’s and mixed race during the final stages of the flood tide, followed by the women’s return race as the tide begins to ebb.
Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club travelled to the mainland with 2 crews and their boat Sea Spirit, keen to end their competitive season with a strong showing. The men’s crew set off first, quickly overtaking the boat ahead and maintaining a powerful pace despite some delays at a narrow bridge section.
For the return leg, the women’s crew took over, rowing against both wind and a slow-turning tide, but still putting in a strong performance back to Newhaven.
Among 6 boats competing in the Cornish Pilot Gig class, Yarmouth achieved:
- 2nd place in the men’s race
- 3rd place in the women’s race
- 2nd place overall for Sea Spirit
Sarah Forster, Ladies Captain, has said:
“This was a wonderful day to round off our season. Both crews rowed skilfully and with great determination to achieve our second place overall.
“A very satisfying and enjoyable day for everyone. We have had a really successful racing season this year, as a club we’ve worked hard over the last few months and this race once again showed that we are one of the most successful traditional rowing clubs in the region.”
