THE worldwide governing body for Cornish pilot gig racing has given its seal of official approval to the 200th wooden Cornish pilot gig, built in South East Cornwall.

All gigs built today follow the lines of the Treffry, a 32-foot long pilot gig built in 1838. The Cornish Pilot Gig Association, which oversees and maintains this one-class design, sent their standards team to a boatyard in Fowey to measure the 200th vessel, which has been built by Louis Hunkin.

Shane Sullivan, chairman of the association, said: ‘This is a real milestone for our sport.

‘In just over 25 years the sport has exploded, growing from 12 boats to 200, and this rapid growth shows no signs of slowing.’