Multiple world champion gig clubs will attend the 2024 Weymouth Pilot Gig Regatta.

Taking place on the weekend of Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, the regatta is set to decide both a national and local championship.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to enjoy elite level gig racing between 10am to 5pm on both days, with organisers saying that the best view of the event is from the natural amphitheatre of the Nothe Gardens.

Saturday’s festivities will see the final round of the National Summer Series take place, where the multiple World Champions Caradon and Falmouth Gig Clubs will attend and race alongside a host of other crews from the South West.

The Weymouth men’s and ladies’ crews will be rowing in the gig Isolde. They are aiming for a top 10 finish overall after attending all other rounds of the Summer Series in Devon and Cornwall.

The Shelly Maid, part of the Exeter Gig ClubThe Shelly Maid, part of the Exeter Gig Club (Image: Beardy@smileandturn) Expected to be hard-fought, the two-mile course will see more than 60 gigs racing into Newtons Cove, near Nothe Fort.

It is the final round of the competition, with previous events taking place in Mounts Bay, Mevagissey, and Paignton.

Sunday will see the local Jurassic League Gig Clubs and a few special friends, to race across age categories in the third and final round of the local league.

As it stands, the Jurassic League holders from last year, Poole Gig Club, are being chased down at the top of the table by Weymouth, who still need to make up six points from nine races available to win or draw the title this season.

Men’s captain and regatta committee chair Liam Patton said “We’re delighted to be hosting the final round of the National Summer Series and welcoming some of the greatest rowers, coxes and boats in our sport.

“Weymouth have been having a very strong season winning the Bridport, Porlock Wire and Langstone Regattas, so we have every hope that we can achieve something special on both Saturday and Sunday.

“Please do come down and enjoy the perfect views from the Nothe Gardens ask us anything you need to know and shout on your club."