Rowing crews from Britain, the Netherlands and the United States took to the water yesterday to race against local pilot gig teams.

More than 80 international rowers are participating in the Bermuda Invitational Gig Regatta — the first event of its kind on the island.

And the first of three events to be held this week got off to a successful start, with teams making the most of the good weather and fun atmosphere at Mangrove Bay in Sandys.

“It’s been fantastic, great competition and lots of fun,” said Laura Lyons, of Sandys, who took to the water with the Spanish Point Admirals ladies’ team. “This is our teams’ first race, so we just came out to have fun and see what we can do. And we made it into the finals. We’re super chuffed about that.”

The team had only been rowing for a few months and Ms Lyons only joined it a few weeks ago, she said.

Chris Hastings, who has travelled to the island from Somerset in England, said: “It’s sensational. We’ve been made to feel so welcome.”

The Clevedon Pilot Gig Club team member added that “it’s just a blast” to race in such an idyllic setting. He was also delighted to act as a coxswain for the Spanish Point Admirals, remarking on the passion, joy and commitment of the local teams.

Ann Boaden, from Bristol, was rowing with team Appledore, and described the event as “an amazing experience”.

Although she has been rowing socially for about five years, it was Mrs Boaden’s first regatta.

Her husband, Jerry Boaden, was taking part with team Jurassic Coast and added: “It’s beautiful. I’m Bristolian and this is traditional rowing in the West County, so I like the history side of it as well.”

Allan Craske, who was rowing with the Lyme Regis team, also remarked on the island’s hospitality, which he said was “100 per cent”.

Mr Craske has been river rowing since 1965 and took up gig rowing two years ago.

“It’s very therapeutic,” he said of the sport, adding that rowers have to keep a clear head. “If you think about anything else while rowing, you make a mistake.”

The Bermuda Pilot Gig Club has seen an explosion of interest since it began promoting the sport as a proud reminder of the island’s heritage a year ago.

Sandys Boat Club and Spanish Point Boat Club took up the sport after the introduction of three 32ft pilot gigs to East End Mini Yacht Club in July.

With more than 150 members on the island, participants have competed in Cup Match contests and even international events such as the World Pilot Gig Championships at the Isles of Scilly.

Carol Ferris, chairwoman of the Bermuda Invitational Gig Regatta committee, told The Royal Gazette: “This is pretty amazing, to do something so soon in our history.”

She said there had been some doubt as to their ability to pull it off, which was why the organisers made it an invitational event. But she said they had been overwhelmed by the amount of people that wanted to take part.

“Today has gone extremely smoothly,” she said, adding that the event has potential to expand and run again if it proves to be a success overall.

Yesterday’s event, which also featured a privateers race in which crew members were chosen randomly, was the first of three regattas to be held this week.

“These consist of a series of races, men’s and ladies’, from which we determine finalists and who goes into the plates,” Ms Ferris explained.

The next event will be held at Spanish Point Boat Club on Wednesday from 1pm to 6.30pm, and the final will take place at the East End Mini Yacht Club from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

• For more information, e-mail info@bermudapilotgigclub.com