APPLEDORE was a suitable location for the annual Super Vets Regatta Championship with the elders of the Gig rowing tribes meeting there last Saturday.

Over fifty crews assembled across the region from Falmouth in the west to Lyme Regis in the east. Dart travelled the distance north to defend their golden trophy won in 2024.

The scene from on the launch quay was colourful as boats and crews assembled- but out to sea it was daunting. A brisk easterly drove over the incoming tide, creating a challenging race environment, on the plus side however the sun shone relentlessly from an azure sky.

The women launched the defence of their Cup surging over the breakers with indomitable style. The two-day format allows for tactical rowing as the only vital task is to get to the semi-final.

At the end of the first day they had scored a third place and a win, so JOB DONE. The men in the open category also took a direct approach to the semis leaving little to chance- they scored double victories in the borrowed plastic gigs.

A cagey fourth-placed finish secured the women’s route to the final whilst the men enjoyed a relaxing row in their semi, skimming only a foot above the shipwrecking sand banks of Crowe Point to secure another first.

A long, agonising wait now ensued as the plate races were finalised and the epic final showdowns could occur.

The women finally boarded light blue “Revenge” at 3pm to settle days of competition. The flag went down and the cream of veteran Gig rowing surged forward, legs pumping as pistons the Maroons arrowed in on the all-important first turn battling through the fleet, unfortunately the capricious god of rowing granted them fifth place.

Aboard “Barrel Rock”, the men went next 30 minutes later and secured second, losing as the ladies did, to an all-conquering Teign.