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Revision as of 04:05, 21 December 2004 editBabomb (talk | contribs)327 editsmNo edit summary← Previous edit Revision as of 15:58, 24 December 2004 edit undoStuff ign (talk | contribs)36 edits Proof-read, as requested by previous editor. Slight grammar change, and a few links added. Article is now fixed.Next edit →
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⚫ '''Gig racing''' is a lively tradition in the isolated ] of the ], 40 ] north of ], ]. Gigs are slender, narrow, 30-foot-long boats which were traditionally powered by a rowing crew of 6-12 islanders. Pilot duties and ] from shipwrecks were important sources of income in the ]. By ] custom, the first ] to reach a ship was hired, and the first crew to reach a wreck could claim it and all salvageable valuables as their own. The income of a gig crew depended therefore critically on their ability to outspeed competitors and to navigate the treacherous waters of the archipelago in any weather.
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⚫ Nowadays, ]-powered gigs remain in use for transportation between the islands and tours for visitors, while gig racing is practised as a ]. Crews of 6 or 7 represent their island or town and a victory is a matter of pride for the winners' whole ].
⚫ '''Gig racing''' is a lively tradition in the isolated ] of the ], 40 km off ], ]. Gigs are slender, narrow, 30-foot-long boats which traditionally were powered by a rowing crew of 6-12 islanders. Pilot duties and wreck ] were important sources of income in the ]. By ] custom, the first ] to reach a ship was hired, and the first crew to reach a wreck could claim it and all salvageable valuables as their own. The income of a gig crew depended therefore critically on their ability to outspeed competitors and to navigate the treacherous waters of the archipelago in any weather.

⚫ Nowadays, engine-powered gigs remain in use for transportation between the islands and touristic tours while gig racing is practised as a sport. Crews numbering 6 or 7 represent their island or town and a victory is a matter of pride for the winners' whole community.

Revision as of 15:58, 24 December 2004

Gig racing is a lively tradition in the isolated archipelago of the Isles of Scilly, 40 km north of Land's End, England. Gigs are slender, narrow, 30-foot-long boats which were traditionally powered by a rowing crew of 6-12 islanders. Pilot duties and salvage from shipwrecks were important sources of income in the 19th century. By maritime custom, the first pilot to reach a ship was hired, and the first crew to reach a wreck could claim it and all salvageable valuables as their own. The income of a gig crew depended therefore critically on their ability to outspeed competitors and to navigate the treacherous waters of the archipelago in any weather.

Nowadays, engine-powered gigs remain in use for transportation between the islands and tours for visitors, while gig racing is practised as a sport. Crews of 6 or 7 represent their island or town and a victory is a matter of pride for the winners' whole community.