A historical group has launched an exciting new project to bring two pilot gigs to Bermuda.

In the past crews on the Island used the wooden vessels to row pilots out to incoming ships.

And today pilot gig racing has become a major sporting event in parts of the UK, especially in Devon and Cornwall.

Now the St David’s Island Historical Society is looking to commission two gigs from the UK for on-island racing and historical demonstrations.

And they will be holding an event this evening to raise awareness of the project.

The Pilot Gig Presentation will be presented by Steve Lock who is a member of the Appledore Pilot Gig Club in Devon, England, which races traditional Cornish gigs for the Cornish Pilot Gig Association.

“Steve is giving this presentation on what gig racing means for Appledore; how gigs have become a part of the education curriculum; how gigs are used for physical training; and how the gigs have become an important part of historical tourism including events and re-enactments,” Rick Spurling, the society’s president, said.

“It would be great if Bermuda could get two, six-oar, 32-feet rowing gigs for racing, demonstrations, events and re-enactments.

“Piloting is a significant part of our maritime heritage and was always a very courageous profession with many daring rescues and lost lives over several centuries.

“The huge growing popularity for racing gigs in Cornwall and Devon and now worldwide, is taking the world by storm and could once again in Bermuda.”

The Pilot Gig Presentation will be held at the World Heritage Centre in St George’s from 6pm this evening.