Caradon men's A team are World Gig champions for the sixth time in a row - which is in itself a world record.

The team rowed themselves to global victory on the Isles of Scilly last weekend, pulling over the finish line in their gig Mary Newman ahead of Roseland in second place and the Netherlands in third.

The ladies A and B crews also pulled out all the stops. The A team came fourth in their final behind the Isles of Scilly, the Netherlands and Falmouth, and the B team rowed home in 12th.

Martin Langdon, of the victorious men's crew, said their final was a difficult race as they didn't know where the main opposition was coming from, and their row in the morning hadn't been especially good. However, once they crossed the finish line all were delighted that they had successfully defended their title yet again. The winning team comprised Richard Bland, Steve Kent, Mr Langdon, Nigel Churcher, James Howell and Tony Coulter with Micky Curnow as cox.

In total 133 clubs from across Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and from the Netherlands, Ireland and the Faroe Islands took part in weather which produced blue skies, and moderate winds. The trophies were presented at Holgates Green on the Sunday evening. Other local clubs included Par Bay whose ladies were ninth, Fowey whose men were tenth and Looe whose men were 11th.

Rose Stewart, spokesman for Caradon gig club, said the same core crew has remained throughout the six world victories, but other crew members have changed. She put the success down to good, hard and successful training, but she added that there is a superstition that the men's tee shirts are the real reason behind their prowess. The team is sponsored by International Coatings, and their tee shirts have a propeller on them. She said: 'The men say they have never lost a world championship yet wearing the shirts, because they are the only ones out there with a propeller on their back.'

She also praised the efforts of the ladies, who had aimed for a top five placing. She pointed out the progress they have made since l995 when they collected the wooden spoon.

The club is based at Saltash, but draws its members from throughout South East Cornwall, and Plymouth. Their own regatta is to be held at Saltash on July 16.