Sharp’s Brewing Co returns as headline sponsor of the World Pilot Gig Championships. 2025 marks the fourth consecutive year that the Rock-based brewery has sponsored the event.
The world-famous sporting event is set to take place from Friday May 2nd – Sunday May 4th 2025 and will see flocks of rowers (over 131 crews from all over the globe) descend upon St Mary’s on the sensational Isles of Scilly to compete in the huge annual gig racing event.
The World Championships were first held in 1990, only attracting a few crews from Cornwall, but in the intervening years the amount of pilot gigs attending has increased with crews coming from all over the South-West and some from even further afield. The camaraderie and the competitive spirits of all involved are in full show all weekend long.
As well as supporting major Gig Rowing Championships, Sharp’s Brewing Co are long-term sponsors of local gig rowing clubs along the North Coast of Cornwall. These include Rock Rowing Club and Padstow Rowing Club who row on the River Camel estuary; often heading over the Doom Bar where in the past many a ship has foundered. Sharp’s Brewing Co named their flagship beer after this iconic sandbar.
Just along the coast, Sharp’s supports Port Isaac Rowing Club who are based in Port Isaac and tide depending head for Port Quin or towards Donkey Hole or during wild weather head for the gig based at Wadebridge to row on the River Camel. Sharp’s are generous sponsors helping these clubs fund gig refurbishments, new gig covers, signage as well as support land-based activity at local regattas and social events.
Business development manager at Sharp’s, Oli Carter, said, “Gig rowing is a brilliant team sport that is integral to both the history of Cornwall and to our contemporary culture. We are passionate about supporting this iconic sporting event, which brings together crews from around the world to compete in the spirit of tradition, teamwork, and endurance. We are so delighted to be on board yet again this year. Through many of our brands, we celebrate the connection between land and sea, just as gig rowers have for generations. We look forward to an unforgettable weekend of racing, camaraderie, and shared moments on the water.”
Tristan Hick, Chairman of the World Pilot Gig Championships said, “We’re thrilled to have Sharp’s Brewing Co as a lead sponsor for the 2025 Isles of Scilly World Pilot Gig Championships. Their support is invaluable in helping us bring this event to life, uniting rowers and spectators from near and far. With their passion for the sport and our community, we’re set for another unforgettable year of racing.”
The team at Sharp’s are proud of their coastal provenance and ongoing support of the local community. The Cornish active, outdoor lifestyle is very much at the heart of the brewery’s brands and products so to extend their support to such an iconic event is naturally an honour.
For further information on the World Pilot Gig Championships, please visit: www.wpgc.uk. For more information on Sharp’s Brewing Co and its products, please visit: www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk.
(Photo credit: WPGC photographer Gordon Brown).
