A NEW gig rowing club launched with a maiden voyage in the Bristol Channel on Sunday, as potential new members took to the water at Porlock Weir to get a feel for the sport.

The Porlock Weir Pilot Gig Rowing Club saw four crews have a go at the traditional South West pastime, with a boat hired from the Ilfracombe Gig Club, and with the help of experienced gig club members from both Ilfracombe and Appledore, as well as a safety boat.

“It was fantastic,” said Gemma Allerton, who started the new club with her husband Ben.

“We were a bit dubious because the weather was not good, but lots of people turned up

“It was just so lovely, to see people of all ages and abilities, do something they had not done before, and they had a go and really enjoyed it.”

She herself did her first gig voyage on Sunday, although Ben used to compete in the world championships when he lived in the Isles of Scilly, where they take place.