A CLUB in Bude is celebrating following a new addition to its racing fleet.

Since its inception in 2002, Bude Pilot Gig Club has had only one racing gig: Bedehaven. Although training gigs are made of GRP - also known as fibreglass - racing gigs are carefully crafted in wood and are a requirement in order to take part in Regattas, where gigs from all over Cornwall compete with each other.

Following the creation of the new clubhouse at the end of last year, Bude Pilot Gig Club has now raised the funds to purchase a new racing gig, thanks to sponsorship from local companies and the hard work of its members.

The new gig has been built by Charlie Jenkins, a boat builder based in St Agnes. This has been his first pilot gig and the club is very excited at how beautiful she looks. Her name is Summerleaze and she was delivered to BPGC’s boat house on Sunday, June 29.

Following its delivery, the Reverend David Saunders from St Michael and all Angels of Bude performed a blessing on the new gig on Summerleaze Beach, after which she was be taken on her first row.

With excitement surrounding the new gig’s arrival, members’ names were drawn from a hat for the honour of being the first crew to take her out to sea.

Club members also celebrated this exciting moment in the club’s history with a barbecue following the blessing, on the beach and in the boat house.

A spokesperson from the club said: “With two racing gigs kept in the boat house in Summerleaze carpark and two – soon to be three – training gigs kept at Tamar Lakes, Bude Pilot Gig Club is delighted to be able to offer its members increased opportunities to train and race together.”