What is WPGC?
​​World Pilots Gig Championship is an annual international pilot gig rowing event. This event takes place on the Isles of Scilly, just off the coast of Cornwall. For the history of the WPGC see our 'History of WPGC' page
When is the 2023 WPGC?
​The WPGC is traditionally held on the early May Bank holiday weekend. The 2023 champs will be held from Friday the 28th April to Sunday the 30th of April.  The event usually begins with the Vets/Super Vets coxes meeting at 10:00 on the Friday. The presentation of trophies and medals is at 17:00 on the Sunday. These times may vary: check the current Race Timetable page.
How do I register for the WPGC?
The registration for WPGC2023 is being administered by the Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA) - please see the 2023 Registration page. All registration enquiries should be sent to membership@cpga.co.uk.
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How much is it to register for the WPGC?
The 2023 cost for the WPGC is £20.00 per gig per race. Payments can be made as part of the registration process, please see the 2023 Registration page. ​
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Can I pay my registration fee on the day?
No. All registration payments must be made in advance of the event as part of the registration process.
​How do I find accommodation on the Isles of Scilly?
Booking a place to sleep on the Isles of Scilly during gig weekend can be tricky. We recommend booking as soon as you are able, as spaces go quick! There are a number of ways to find available accommodation on the Isles of Scilly. Please check out the links below:
Island Partnership Website: HERE
Isles of Scilly Accommodation via Facebook: HERE
​What happens if the weather is bad?
​​It is impossible to plan for the weather. Decisions will be made at the appropriate time.
We are a crew member/cox short. Can you help?
Feel free to post something on our Facebook page but it is best to go straight to other clubs, so post something on the GigRower Facebook page and also the Facebook pages of the IoS gig clubs. Also, there is a Lonely Hearts Board in the Tunnel where requests like this can be written.
Can we row a mixed crew non-competitively?
No. Only single-sex crews are allowed and all crews must row competitively.
Can we row for one club in the Vets/SuperVets races and another club in the Open races?
You can but the invitation for the next WPGC will go to the club who has registered the gig for that race. Also, bear in mind Rule 10 ... you must be a primary member of a club to be eligible for the top 24 positions.
How does our club go about borrowing a gig?
​Post a request to other clubs - either through the CPGA or the clubs direct. You may post to our Facebook page too.
How do we get our gig to Scilly?
The only way is to book it through the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group - unless you want to row the 28 miles from the mainland. The CPGA administers the shipping of gigs for full member and affiliated clubs.
Where on Scilly do the races take place?
​The first men's and women's Vets/SuperVets races and the first of the men's and women's Open races begin just off St. Agnes and finish at St Mary’s Harbour - a distance of approximately 1.6 nautical miles (2.96 km). Subsequent heats and the finals begin from Nut Rock and finish at St. Mary’s Harbour - a distance of approximately 1.18nm (2.18km).
Why are the WPGC Committee limiting numbers of gigs?
The sport is growing in popularity with new clubs being formed every year and new gigs being built. In 2019, we  had 10 more gigs than in 2018 and the starting line for the Open races was over a mile long - which makes it difficult to manage. We have been fortunate in recent years that some of the gigs can be placed on Porthmellon beach over the weekend. However, in high spring tides, this is not possible and there is nowhere else available within a short distance of the races. If the WPGC were to be held on the mainland, space would still be an issue and keeping the gigs secure would be more challenging than it is on Scilly.
The rules for 2022 are unfair to less experienced clubs and are making the champs more elitist.
It has been difficult to create rules which, on the one hand, limit numbers, and on the other, retain the feeling of inclusivity which the WPGC has historically encouraged. Nevertheless, any CPGA member club gets an automatic invitation. So, even for new clubs with inexperienced members, CPGA affiliation is the way to go.
I am forming a private club. How do I get an invite in 2022?
The WPGC Committee does not encourage the participation of private (not CPGA-affiliated) clubs and these will not get an automatic invitation to 2022. The exceptions to this are the international clubs and Penryn and Porthgain Gig Clubs which, for historical reasons, will get an invitation. The WPGC encourages new clubs to become affiliated to the CPGA so that standards and insurance is adequately provided for.
I’m a trader. Can I have a stall at the champs?
The Committee does not hire out trading space because there is so little available. If traders want space on Scilly during the event, they must apply through the Council of the Isles of Scilly.
How do I go about sponsoring the event?
The income from the event (including existing sponsorship) is barely enough to meet the organisational needs. New sponsorship is always welcome. Please get in touch with the Treasurer, Lyn Townend or any other member on the Contacts page.
How old is a vet and supervet?
​Vets must be 40 or over and Supervets must be 50 or over at the time of the race.