Antrim 2009
A regatta was held for Atlantic Challenge Gigs at the Antrim Boat Club from 30th July to 2nd August 2009. Crews and supporters camped in Antrim Boat Club grounds and the gigs were moored in the river. Food and evening entertainment were provided in the Club House.
Six
Gigs took part in the events: Intégrité (GB), Bien Trouvé
(Scotland), Cwch John Kerr (Wales), Fionnbarra (Cork, Republic of
Ireland), Harmonie (Northern Ireland) and Unité (Bantry, Republic
of Ireland). At the closing ceremony each was given an engraved glass
trophy. Intégrité was awarded hers for winning the majority of races
and Bien Trouvé’s was for being best-dressed!
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The programme was weather-dependant and had to be very flexible. As it turned out, the wind was too strong and racing on Lough Neagh was impossible for part of the time. However, alternative competitions were organised such as a timed row down the river (which Intégrité won) and a Jackstay Transfer using picnic seats as mock-gigs and the balcony of the Club House as the shore. One “gig” capsized causing much hilarity and the guttering on the boathouse was damaged by one over-enthusiastic rope-throw. |
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The weather improved on the final day of the regatta and four races were held. The GB gig Intégrité had a tough time racing against Northern Ireland’s Harmonie but managed to win overall. These two gigs will be present at the next International Contest of Seamanship to be held at Midland, Ontario in 2010.
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Moray had nine young people on the gig Intégrité, chosen to represent Great Britain in Canada. The photograph above shows them with other members of the GB crew at Antrim Boat Club.
Moray also had nine somewhat younger people at Antrim for crewing the Moray Gig Bien Trouvé. Their average age was 15 but in spite of being much younger than most of the other crews they showed great determination, excellent teamwork and stamina when competing in often very awkward conditions. They are seen here with Coxswains Gary Hunt and Neil Sutherland.
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Moray Gig, at Antrim
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Intégrité, the GB gig at Antrim
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