The island’s growing fleet of pilot gigs has been doubled by the arrival of three new boats.

The vessels, which have been named Pilot James Forbes, Pilot James T. Griffiths and Pilot John Cann, were blessed and christened by Bishop Nicholas Dill at the Spanish Point Boat Club.

Two of the new boats will be located at Spanish Point Boat Club and one at Sandys Boat Club. The first three gigs to arrive in Bermuda last year, Harry Fox, John Simmons and Jemmy Darrell, are stationed at the East End Mini Yacht Club.

“We have been delighted by the success of our rowing activities at the East End Mini Yacht Club,” Roger Gillett, vice-chairman of the Bermuda Pilot Gig Club, said. “It was always our intention to introduce gigs to other locations on the island and the demand we have seen in St George’s encouraged us to seek sponsorship for three more gigs sooner than we might have anticipated. The benefits of rowing as an activity and a sport have become apparent to many and this has certainly assisted us in obtaining sponsorship.”

Mr Gillett thanked a string of local companies and individuals for supporting the purchase of the new boats, including the Colonial Group, who provided funding for one complete boat with equipment, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Enstar, Chubb, United Insurance, Mutual Insurance, the UK P&I Club and Bacardi.

Alan Peacock, Colonial Group CEO, said: “Rowing offers an interesting option for all ages and we look forward to seeing it expand in the coming years.”

Chance McLean, the commodore of Spanish Point Boat Club, said: “We are excited about this new activity that will be taking place at the club and the waters accessible from the club, the harbour and North Shore will be ideal for this sport.

“Many members have already expressed an interest in rowing this interesting, traditional boats.”

Jaime DeSilva, the commodore of Sandys Boat Club, added: “The West End had its own tradition of piloting, and we believe gig-rowing in the Mangrove Bay area will draw great interest in the community.”

• Anyone interested in gig-rowing can e-mail info@bermudapilotgig club.com or call Steve Lock on 707- 1044