Isle of Wight gig rowing club to restore historical boat

Brading Haven Gig Rowing (BHGR), based at Brading Haven Yacht Club, Bembridge Harbour, is hoping to restore its traditional wooden boat, Nerthek, to her original condition.

The club, co-founded by Sarah Price and Polly Schafer, has grown steadily over the past year and now boasts 35 members.

It has two boats in its 'fleet' — Puffin and Nerthek.

Sarah Price and Polly Schafer, co-founders of Brading Haven Gig Rowing, based in Bembridge. (Image: Sarah Price) The club acquired its second boat, Nerthek, earlier this year, after the club's 25 'Gig Angels' contributed to its purchase.

Built in 1991 by renowned boat builder, Patrick Bird, Nerthek is a traditional wooden gig.

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Sarah said: "Gig rowing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and it is going to be a very exciting year ahead.

"We have a fantastic and inspired group of volunteers, who have supported us all along the way to make this club — and the gig rowing — a success.

"The planning and strategy for the next year will be on a fundraising focus to restore Nerthek to her original condition, as a historical wooden gig."

The club also has plans to encourage more people to try gig rowing, continue the cox training programme and put BHGR on the gig competition map in the UK.

Gig rowing is open to adults of all ages and abilities.

"We aim to grow our membership and connect with our community on the Island," said Polly.

"We want to continue our cox training programme, and support the rows with very experienced coxes from Yarmouth Gig Rowing and Langstone Gig Rowing, who we work very closely with." 

The club has three levels of participation — 'taster' rows, 'just rows' and 'distant' rowing.

Members can enjoy the social aspect of rowing, the team spirit and the opportunity to be on the water.

Earlier this month, BHGR held a Bond-themed fundraising event to support the restoration of Nerthek.

The event was a great success, bringing the gig rowing community on the Isle of Wight together, including Yarmouth Gig Rowing.

Several events are planned over the Christmas period, including a race day, with Yarmouth Gig Rowing, to bring the clubs together for some festive fun and competition.