Three Rivers Race

Introduction

Traditionally, the start of the Cornish Pilot Gig Association's (CPGA) racing season is the Three Rivers Race hosted by Caradon.

This event has taken place since 1991 and started with just 5 gigs. The race in 2019 saw 85 gigs with 76 Ladies crews and 75 Men's crews taking part. Due to the width of the river and safe starting conditions, this means approximately 6 heats in both the Ladies and Men's races. This is one of the largest gig regattas outside of the annual World Pilot Gig Championships held on the Isles of Scilly.

The date for the next race is Sunday 3 March 2024

Each club is to complete the online entry form.
Provisional first race start time (Ladies) will be 11 am followed by the Men's race.
There will be a non-refundable entry fee of £20 per crew to cover expenses incurred by our club in hosting this event.

Please note:

There will be a cap on numbers, and entries will close when we reach capacity
Clubs can enter a maximum of 2 gigs for each race (i.e. 2 Ladies crews and 2 Men's crews)
Any clubs wishing to bring a 3rd gig (please indicate on form where required) and your 3rd gig will be added to a reserve list and a space allocated on a first come, first served basis, so get your entry forms completed early! Please note, however, that some crews do not ‘drop out’ until very short notice or even on the day.
Only Wooden gigs can be raced – no GRP gigs
Your place will only be confirmed once we have received your entry form and entry fee.
Once entries have closed, all clubs who have successfully reserved a space will be sent more information on the format for the day and timings.

We look forward to receiving your entry and wish you all a Happy New Year!

Racing Rules

The coxes meeting will be held on the Town Quay (opposite Live Wire) - time tbc.
All races will be run under CPGA rules and all gigs must carry a working VHF radio. The races will be started over the radio – channel to be confirmed at Coxes meeting
The first heat of the Ladies race is due off at 11am (tbc)
Each crew has been allocated a heat and berth (this will be given at registration)
Each heat will be set off at approx. 2 – 4 minute intervals
The Men's race will start after all the Ladies crews have finished (approx. start time tbc)
You must line up in the heat you are allocated. The timings for each gig will be worked out based on them starting in the heat allocated on the sheet that will be given to each club at registration. If you start in the wrong heat, your final time will not be accurate
Each heat start will be counted down over the radio. If you are ahead of the line with 30 seconds to go you may be disqualified. If you are not on the line your heat will be started without you
All crews must warm up down river of the bridges (i.e. Sailing Club side) until called up by the Starter. Do not go too far away as the heats will start thick and fast and the Starter will not wait for you
Please remember that all timings are attached to the gig not the Club
The top three positions will be announced on the day at the presentation. There is a cup/trophy for the gig with the fastest combined time (Ladies & Men's combined) and the CRY4TOM trophy for the fastest Men's crew.
The full set of results will be published either later that evening or the day after the event, when we have had time to check through them fully

This event is run by members of Caradon Gig Club, all of whom are volunteers with a passion for gig racing.

We would respectively ask that if any of your members have any issues with the event, that they raise them with
us direct via email: caradongigclub@gmail.com or in person, and refrain from posting any negative or
discourteous comments on social media.

Refreshments

Hot and cold food, snacks and drinks will be available from Caradon Gig Club in Saltash Sailing Club.
Ashtorre Rock (under the bridges) will also be open.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Saltash and hope that you have a great day of racing.

The Race Course

The race is around 6 miles, starting on the River Tamar roughly below the Tamar Bridge. Gigs row up river to the River Tavy, turn go across the river to then turn and come back down the River Tamar. Gigs pass under the Tamar Bridge, row past the Sailing Club to the River Lynher, turn go across the river and row back to finish just past the Sailing Club.

In the event of bad weather, the course may be altered – you will be notified of any changes to the course at the coxes meeting.

It is very unlikely that the event will be cancelled, however, should this be necessary a decision will be made on the Friday evening.