Gig Racing
Six rowers. Six paddles. One coxswain. Gig racing is Scilly's national sport - an island pastime and a holiday must...
Perhaps it's the clack as six paddles move in perfect unison. Perhaps its the roar of the coxswain urging the crew on. Perhaps it's the shouts from the spectators willing their Gig across the line. Whatever it is, there is something undeniably spectacular about a Gig Race.
Today, Gigs are raced across the world but their spiritual home remains on Scilly, where every week crews from across the islands compete against each other in races across the archipelago.
Hop aboard a spectator boat and witness a race up close - surely one of the islands' must-do holiday experiences.
Women race every Wednesday night and men every Friday night throughout the summer. Tresco Boats regularly follow the races - details will be posted on their website and boat boards across the island.