Back in the mid-19th Century, around 200 men worked as pilots on the Isles of Scilly. Today, gigs (specially-designed sea-faring rowing boats with six oarsmen and a coxswain) are raced purely for pleasure particularly throughout Cornwall and the south west of England. Their heritage on Scilly, meanwhile, remains very much a part of island life – dating back to the days when they helped incoming ships to navigate the waters, smuggled goods from abroad and performed daring rescues.

The islands were the first port of call after a long Atlantic crossing for fresh supplies or repairs. A ship would pick up a pilot to guide them safely into the shelter of St. Mary’s pool. When a ship signalled with a flag for a pilot, the gigs would race to get there first and claim the job – and the payment.

Gigs often doubled as lifeboats too, as they were quick to launch and could row straight out into a headwind. With their shallow draft, they were ideal for slipping between rocks and going alongside shipwrecks – although it was dangerous work and many men lost their lives or damaged their boats.

Heroic rescue over land and sea - Strong winds prevented the crew of Albion gig on Bryher from launching on the Western shore to aid steam ship SS Delaware in 1871. So they carried the half-tonne gig for half a mile overland, rowed to Samson, then carried it over land again before rowing to rescue passengers.

Shortly after World War II, the working life of the pilot gig diminished, but racing for pleasure soon became a pastime and a passion on the islands. To this day, throughout the summer, gig racing takes place between the islands. Set aside a Wednesday or Friday evening to watch the local gig crews from each of the islands race for glory. Watch, either from the quay on St. Mary’s or enjoy a more close up encounter aboard a tripper boat; then join the crews for a drink and stories in the pub after the races.

Of course, Scilly also hosts the World Pilot Gig Championships over the early May Bank Holiday weekend. Scilly hosted the first World Pilot Gig Championship in 1990 with just 19 boats from Cornwall and the islands. Next year the islands will attract some 120 gigs – hosting men’s, ladies’ and veterans’ teams from as far away as the USA and Bermuda.  The “champs”, have become an island spectacle as a carnival atmosphere descends across the archipelago.