DATES for 39 Pilot Gig regattas have already been lodged with the Cornish Pilot Gig Association, writes John Collings.

Highlight of the forthcoming summer is once again expected to be the World Championships on the Isles of Scilly over the early May Bank Holiday weekend – even though website message boards are starting to suggest that the event may have lost some of its sparkle.

Not surprisingly, Cornwall leads the way with no fewer than 23 regattas planned for the Duchy, including the Mixed and Veterans' weekend at Saltash (June 16-17); the under-16s at Newquay on Sunday, July 29; the under-14s at Hayle on the following Saturday and the men's and women's championships, both at Newquay in September.

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