Swanage Sea Rowing Club celebrated a highly successful weekend of gig rowing, combining championship racing with the official blessing and christening of its newest pilot gig.
The club marked another milestone in its 25th anniversary year with the official naming ceremony by the Swanage town mayor Chris Tomes of its new wooden Cornish Pilot Gig, Old Harry, on Saturday 20th June 2026 on Swanage Beach in Dorset.
Swanage Sea Rowing club’s new boat was blessed
Swanage town mayor Chris Tomes officially names the new gig and christens it with champagne
Traditional spray of champagne
Old Harry was built by Pete Williams in Fowey, Cornwall, and was only just completed in time for the championships, with a team of Swanage rowers collecting her from the first floor workshop on the Friday before the racing.
The name was chosen by a vote of club members, who also selected her traditional varnished finish.
Reverends Ian Bird and David Richards blessed the vessel on the beach in front of Sandpit Field before the mayor officially named her with the traditional spray of champagne.
The juniors were given the honour of the maiden row
Joining the juniors in the new boat were their cox Martin Steeden and women’s captain Kelly Fenech
“Beautiful new boat”
Swanage town mayor Chris Tomes, who hoped the fact his grandfather was on the RMS Titanic wouldn’t be a bad omen, said:
“I was honoured to take part in the traditional christening ceremony and wish Old Harry and all who row in her fair winds, calm seas, and many years of enjoyment and achievement on the water.
“My congratulations go to everyone involved in fundraising for this beautiful new boat. I look forward to seeing Old Harry proudly representing Swanage at events and competitions for many years to come.”
While it had started off foggy on the Saturday, by the afternoon it was a lovely sunny day
More than 52 crews from 28 clubs took part in Saturday’s Supervets competiton in Swanage
Fog reduced visibility
Following the ceremony, six members of the club’s junior squad took Old Harry on her maiden row, coxed by junior coach Martin Steeden.
They were cheered on by hundreds of competitors and spectators attending the Supervets Championships, which immediately followed the blessing.
The championships for the over 50s began in unusual conditions, with the first two races requiring a lead safety boat to guide competitors around the course, as fog reduced visibility across Swanage Bay.
Fortunately, conditions improved as the day progressed, allowing the championships to be completed safely.
Supervets open team cup winners were Caradon Gig Club from Cornwall
Supervets women’s team cup winners were Teign Gig Club from Devon
Old Harry proved a winner
More than 52 crews from 28 clubs across the country competed in the Supervets Championships.
The women’s title was won by Teign Gig Club from Devon, while the men’s championship was claimed by Caradon Gig Club from Cornwall.
Swanage produced a strong performance, finishing a very respectable sixth overall.
Sunday saw Swanage’s traditional Summer Regatta, attracting crews from across Dorset and Hampshire.
The club’s new gig, Old Harry, quickly demonstrated her potential, helping Swanage crews achieve an impressive ten victories across the twelve race categories.
Swanage women’s A crew on their way to victory in the Jurassic League regatta
Swanage open A crew crossing the finish line in the Jurassic League regatta with coxswain Holly Phillips smiling at applauding swimmers!
“Extremely proud of the club’s performance”
Chair of Swanage Sea Rowing Club Adrian Charters said:
“We are extremely proud of the club’s performance and the ten race wins achieved in Old Harry’s first competitive outing. We owe a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising the regatta weekend, and to all those members who have spent years fundraising to make Old Harry a reality.
“We are also grateful for the continued support of the Swanage community, Swanage Town Council, and the Swanage Carnival committee, whose encouragement has helped our club grow and thrive over the past 25 years.”
The successful weekend, sponsored by Purbeck Cider, S and A Utilities Ltd, and The Watercress Company, provided a fitting celebration for Swanage Sea Rowing Club’s silver anniversary and an exciting debut for Old Harry.
Old Harry the boat, with Old Harry the rocks in the distance
Visitors watched the action from the Banjo Jetty
Further information
- More about Swanage Sea Rowing Club on its Facebook page
- The Cornish Pilot Gig Association is the governing body for the sport
