The gig championship series comprises three major races, sponsored by Tribute beer, with the other races being friendly events.

The first two Tribute events this year have been cancelled due to high winds and rain, so a large field was expected at this championship round in sunny Paignton. 32 clubs from all over the south west were out in force.

The ladies A comprised three heats with Dart ladies being in the second. They had a fine race finishing fifth in their heat, beating Torridge, Coverack, Cotehele Quay and Bristol.

Cox Paul Kunert did a nifty turn on the first mark, tucking inside the stern of Rame giving the crew a chance to pull up on Rame on the inside, which gave Dart the water on the second mark.

They then overtook Coverack between the first and second mark and Bristol down the home straight. Dart finished 18th out of 32 crews, which is an excellent result.

There is no doubt that the strength of the two youngsters Christina Thorp and Chloe Gardner helped the four super vets, Peta Chivers, Clare Thorp, Jo Haydn and Maggie Trubshaw to achieve this placing.

 Dart ladies B, also in the second heat, got off to a good start against a strong field and rowed well to the first mark with three boats behind them.

Unfortunately, they lost the mark to Dagger from Bridport and had to give water. Lightning went wide at the mark but picked up their stroke rate.

For reasons unknown, Dagger's cox went wide also and tangled blades, rowing into the side of Lightning. Dart ladies managed to row clear and ahead of four crews now, around the two remaining marks and the long run towards the finish line. Strong rowing secured a very good seventh place. Ladies B: Mary Eames, Karen Gardner, Chloe Gardner, Paula Hine, Carol Squire, Maggie Russell, coxed by Paul Kunert.

The ladies vets race was a confusing affair. There were 18 boats on the start line, with 10 boats arriving at the first mark together.

Dart was given water over Bridport and Lyme Regis but these two boats came crashing into the side of Lightning, taking out the bowside oars for what seemed like several minutes.

Having untangled themselves, the vets powered on to the next two marks where similar carnage ensued. This was an unsatisfactory race for all except the leading crews. Ladies vets: Peta Chivers, Clare Thorp, Jo Haydn, Paula Hine, Karen Gardner, Mary Eames, coxed by Christina Thorp. 

Dart Gig Club visits the Rame peninsula this Saturday for a second tribute event.