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World Pilot Gig Championships: 'Huge boost' to economy, race bosses say

BBC A photo of the raceBBC
There are 120 crews competing in the race

The annual World Pilot Gig Championships are a "huge boost" to the Isles of Scilly's economy, race bosses have said.

The gig racing event is held on the Isles of Scilly between 29 April and 1 May every year.

There are 120 crews competing in the race, with the event running since 1990 at Porthmellon Beach, St. Mary's.

The championships were cancelled two years in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, but have returned this year.

Tom Matthews, marketing director at Tresco Island said: "The Gigs Championships is a huge boost to the whole of the Isles of Scilly's economy."

He added: "People go out for a meal here, go and do some of the local experiences or go out on a wildlife trip, it's hugely beneficial."

The race was last held in 2019 and chairman of the championships, Kevin Sherris, said: "It's nice to see some faces I haven't seen for two or three years. To see them all back again is fantastic."

A photo of Isles of Scilly
The race is held every year between 29 April and 1 May
A photo of one of the gigs
Some have said it is a boost to the Isles of Scilly's economy
A photo of a sunset in the Isles of Scilly
The races take place at Porthmellon Beach at St Mary's
A photo of the racers
It has been running since 1990
The Dutch team wearing their clogs
The Dutch team wearing their clogs
A photo of gig racers
The championships will end on Monday evening
A photo of the race
People at Porthmellon Beach
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