The Argus Invitational Gig Regatta is set play an important role in safeguarding the legacy of the sport in Bermuda

After a four-year hiatus, the competition makes a welcome return with more than 70 rowers from Bermuda and further afield taking to the waters in three separate races across the island in the next ten day.

While the sport has evolved from its origins in the 18th and 19th centuries, when rival gig crews used to battle it out in an arduous offshore journey to waiting ships in an attempt to get the pilot job, the regatta still holds great significance in honouring Bermuda’s rich maritime heritage.

“This regatta is about highlighting the sport itself but also honouring that legacy, all the old pilots, and bringing back that tradition again,” said competing coxswain Nives Filice, who has as deep a connection to gig rowing as anyone, having competed in numerous international regatta. She is a descendant of renowned Pilot John Cann, whom one of the Bermuda Pilot Gig Club's boats is named after.

“For me it’s just so awesome to be involved because of my family connection. I love it because it gives me such pride to think about all my family that have been, and are involved.

“You think about your ancestors when you row and think back to where the sport came from.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Chris Hastings, who has developed a deep affinity with not just the sport but with Bermuda after competing around the island on a number of occasions, including when coxing a local female crew to victory in Bermuda in 2018. He also finished in midfield at the World Pilot Gig Championship in the Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom, in 2019.

“Coming over and discovering the legacy of the sport here is amazing,” said Hastings, who will be competing with the visiting Clevedon Pilot Gig Club.

“Seeing the names of the boats and discovering the reasons and stories behind them, that tradition is amazing and it really means something.

“This is a country of such rich and diverse cultural heritage and so it is imperative to have a link back to that legacy and strong maritime history.”

As well as honouring the legacy of the sport, the regatta offers a crucial opportunity to continue the sport’s growth.

Gig rowing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United Kingdo, and Bermuda is no different, with nine pilot gig boats on the island, 150 members and regular rowing taking place at East, Central, and West locations since the club formed seven years ago.

The importance of introducing new people to the sport is something Filice is well aware of.

“What the regatta means is exposure for the sport to try to get more Bermudians into it,” she said. “We are trying to get into schools to try to encourage younger people into the sport. It’s a great way of meeting people and importantly safeguarding the future of the sport.

Hastings has seen the growth of the sport first-hand, since first being introduced to it back in 1990 and sees no reason why the trend of increased participation cannot continue in Bermuda.

“We went and watched the first ever World Pilot Gig Championships in 1990 and there were 17 boats,” he said. “Around 23 years later when we went back there were 120 boats and in 2019 there were 160.

“In that relatively short space of time the sport has really taken off and I’m not surprised that it also seems to be the case here in Bermuda.

“Having nine boats on the island is a relatively large number for a small population, which is great to see.

“I would urge anyone in Bermuda to get out and have a go at gig rowing because it is an amazing way to see their island from the sea. It’s a different experience seeing the island from the water.

“If people want to come out and watch the regatta that’s fantastic, but if they then want to give it a go, that’s even better.”

One key element of attracting new people into the sport is it’s inclusiveness, crucially catering to all ages and levels of fitness.

“It’s not all about racing, it’s about getting out on the water, meeting people and you can enjoy it all year round,” added Hastings. “It is a low impact on the joints so it is inclusive to everyone.

“The social rowers really are the lifeblood of the sport. Some clubs are set up just for competition, but the people who want to go out and just row are what keeps clubs going. Anyone can do it and that’s the great thing about the sport.

Filice also took the opportunity to highlight the sense of community within the sport, giving particular praise to those who play a vital role behind the scenes.

“I also want to give a shout out to all those who are involved in maintenance, upkeep of the boats, and everything else,” she said. “We have a lot of volunteers, it’s a real community in this sport, and it really does take an entire village.”

While Hastings is determined to again challenge for honours at this week’s regatta, he is keen to reinforce the sense of comradeship between the competing crews.

“We’ve come here to win but more importantly we are looking forward to seeing everyone again and having a fantastic time in such an amazing place to row,” he said.

“We’d love to win, we always do and we’ll do our best, but it is not everything. You get the chance to meet so many people through the sport, both as competitors and behind the scenes too, who really make the sport what it is.”