Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club has made a strong start to the 2026 season with an impressive showing at the first 3 Harbours event of the year in Chichester Harbour.
17 boats and around 150 rowers from a number of southern clubs gathered for the March fixture, the Head of the Harbour Regatta, hosted by Itchenor Sailing Club.
The event was held in ideal conditions, with light winds, blue skies and sunshine, although temperatures remained a little chilly.
A total of 14 rowers from Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club travelled to the mainland on Saturday morning with their Cornish Pilot Gig, Sea Spirit, aboard the 08:20 ferry from Fishbourne to Portsmouth.
The Club entered 2 crews – one in the mixed race, featuring at least 3 female rowers, and one in the open race, which allowed crews of any composition.
The 10-kilometre course began in front of Itchenor Sailing Club, heading out to East Head before rounding a buoy and returning to the start line.
Both Yarmouth crews were competing in the fixed seat category and delivered strong performances throughout.
In the open race, Yarmouth were the fastest Cornish Pilot Gig and finished 1st overall.
In the mixed race, they were again the fastest Cornish Pilot Gig and crossed the line 4th 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. Well done Yarmouth!”
The open crew was made up of Sarah Forster (stroke), Nick Mills, Terry Simms, Geoff Olden, Andy Woodbridge, Clive Kite and Bill Freshwater (cox).
The mixed crew featured Fiona Thorpe (stroke), Rosanne Martin, Mark Farrar, Caroline Pakel, Paula Mills, Keith Campbell and Sam Hotchin (cox).
Congratulations ! Sorry to all the sailors out there, but NOTHING beats rowing !