The landlocked rowers making waves at sea
Midland Cornish row Cornish pilot gig boats, which have six oars and fixed seats.
A Cornish Midland rowing club, based in Derbyshire near Staunton Harold Reservoir, competes in the world championships for sea-going Cornish pilot gig boats despite being over 60 miles from the nearest coast. The club, founded by Chris Baker who moved from Cornwall 35 years ago, will participate in the championships in the Isles of Scilly from April 30th to May 2nd, alongside crews from locations with deep coastal rowing traditions.
The team, consisting of around 30 regular rowers, uses six-oared fixed-seat vessels designed after a 18th century working craft. Coach Martin Pezzack, a former multiple world champion, finds it especially rewarding to train novices who have rarely seen the sea, as they develop into potential champions.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
