Watch a Gig Race

Six rowers, six oars and one coxswain. Gig racing is part of the fabric of island life – and one of the best ways to spend a summer evening on Scilly.

Throughout the summer, brightly painted pilot gigs race across the waters between the islands, cheered on from spectator boats following close behind.

Gig racing has deep roots on Scilly. These traditional 32-foot wooden boats were once used by island crews racing out to passing ships to secure pilotage work, assist vessels in difficulty and, occasionally, make a little trade along the way.

Today, the racing is rather more organised, but no less competitive.

Tresco & Bryher Gig Club crews race throughout the season. The club’s fleet includes Czar, built in 1879 and the oldest gig to have spent her entire life on Scilly.

Follow a Race

From May to September, Tresco Boats runs spectator boats for many of the weekly races, giving you a front-row seat as the crews battle their way across the archipelago.

Boats usually depart Bryher between 7pm and 7.45pm, depending on where and when the race starts, returning by around 9pm – usually earlier.

Most spectator trips are aboard Firethorn, when there’s usually no need to book. Some races are followed by jetboat instead, when places must be reserved in advance. Firethorn spectator boats cost £10 per person, with under-16s travelling free. Jetboat fares vary.

Women’s races are held on Wednesday evenings, with men’s racing on Friday evenings. Weekly boating plans are published in advance, with confirmed spectator boat times available the day before. See the Tresco Boats website or boards at the hotel for confirmed times.

2026 Race Schedule

Race plans are subject to weather and conditions.