Another sunny Saturday, so there must be a gig regatta somewhere and on August 3 Dart Gig Club travelled to Looe.

The host club has suggested that the event might have to be cancelled, with moderate to fresh SW winds forecast.

However, they decided to go ahead, and the windy conditions made for interesting and varied rowing, with the swell coming in on different directions on each leg.

Dart even had a go at trying to surf the waves – something they get little chance to practise in the waters off Dartmouth.

The men's C crew were first to row and were once again in contention with crews from Cattewater, Caradon and Looe. Dart came off the start fast and battled for first place with Cattewater all the way to the first mark, where Cattewater took the lead.

From the first mark Dart got stuck behind Looe all the way to the finish, with Caradon pushing from behind on each mark.

Dart had to battle to get clear of Caradon (with superbly experienced Steve Kent coxing) each time, coming in a good third place from seven, with Cattewater in first and Looe in second.

The ladies' C went out next and they too had a good start. It was a closely fought race right up to the first mark, with five clubs all vying for places.

Dart had a close encounter of oars with the Swanage boat just before the mark and lost ground to come round in fourth place.

Dart pulled away from the back half of the field and Caradon, who were in the leading pack, drifted off course and were subsequently disqualified leaving Cattewater, Swanage and Dart in contention for the top spot.

Despite every effort in difficult water, Dart were unable to catch Swanage and equalled the men's C crew result by coming in third in a field of seven.

Tom Holloway had to leave early, so Dart picked up Dan from Cattewater to make up the crew for the men' s A race.

They went out in another very strong field. By the first mark, Caradon, Charlestown, Looe and Cattewater had pulled ahead.

The men showed great spirit, battling all the way round to stay ahead of Rame, coming in a very good fifth place from a field of nine.

The ladies' A race is always hard fought as crews are all very strong and this was no exception.

Dart had a terrible start, with the starter having called all crews back, and then setting the boats off before they were lined up.

Off the start Dart were last, but they managed to pull back, passing Brixham and Rame.

Dart fought hard to try and catch up with Cotehele Quay, but never quite made it. They came in seventh place out of a field of nine. Caradon led for most of the race and were clear winners.

Many thanks go to Clare Thorp, Jonny Holmes and Paul Kunert for coxing and Kevin Pyne for umpiring in difficult conditions. One of the umpires had to be brought ashore suffering from sea sickness.

Rowers were:

Ladies: Peta Chivers, Ella Chivers, Bonnie Chivers, Lucy Swash, Clare Thorp, Kate Cook, Paula Hine and Maggie Russell. Men: Tom Holloway, Paul Kunert, Chris Gale, Michael Bryant-Mole, Jonny Holmes and Stan Bray.