PORLOCK Weir Gig Club will be staging a day of spring-time gig racing on Saturday, March 16 at Wimbleball Lake for gig-rowing clubs from all over the region.

They will be competing in eight races in a friendly competition aimed at getting in racing practice ahead of the World Gig Rowing Championships in the Isles of Scilly at the start of May. The first race will be at about 9.30am.

So far 66 teams have entered the event and visitors will be welcome to cheer them on from the water’s edge in the beautiful lakeside setting 

There is pay and display parking, the on-site café will be open from 8am, and there will be a raffle to raise money for the Porlock club.

The event has been made possible thanks to headline sponsorship from Shearwell Data Livestock Systems. Race sponsors include Window Woman & Locksmith, the Colour Centre Minehead, Somerset Climate Control, Southwest Customised Clothing and Paper Pixels.

Raffle prizes will include a three-night stay in Beehive Cottage overlooking Bossington Bay, a camping break at Westermill Farm and a night’s bed and breakfast at the Rest & Be Thankful Inn.

The organisers said: “Any profits from the event will fund the club’s development, go towards the care and maintenance of the gigs and help to pay for a new set of gig oars. 

“It should be a super day out. Please bring cash on the day and the club looks forward to seeing you. Entry is via the Activity Centre.”