LYME Regis Gig Rowing Club are building a path to success with the construction of a brand-new ‘pilot gig boat’ in partnership with the Lyme-based Boat Building Academy.

The boat is being commissioned and built by club member Rob Hounslow, Lyme’s current men’s co-captain and a lecturer at the prestigious academy.

Work is expected to begin in June, with the boat ready in time for the 2024 World Championships at the Isles of Scilly.

Hounslow said: “The new boat will continue a tradition of having all the Lyme Regis boats built in Lyme Regis itself. I’m very honoured to be able to maintain this tradition.

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“To enable our continued success, we need to maintain our fleet of gigs and this initiative will add a new purpose-built Cornish pilot gig boat to our fleet.”

Lyme Regis enjoyed a successful 2022 season, with men’s and women’s teams placing highly in last year’s championships and at regattas throughout the South West.

Marcus Dixon, club chairman said: “As a club, we are continuing to grow.

“There are more people than ever participating in gig rowing and thanks to our members we are able to provide opportunities to learn rowing, keep fit and then competitively or socially row.

“We are hoping to develop the club at all levels from juniors, beginners, domestic racing and competing at the World Pilot Gig Championships.

“To have this built in Lyme and as Rob’s first Cornish pilot gig boat is something the club are delighted to be part of.”

Will Reed, principal at the Boat Building Academy, said: “We are very excited that the Gig Club have commissioned their new boat and thrilled that they are building it in the Boat Building Academy workshops.

“This is an important collaboration with the rowing club, allowing students to learn new skills and be involved with a significant build.”

The club is committed to raising the remaining money required for the build and a large fundraising effort is under way.

The build will be documented on the club’s social media channels.

The club is also exploring a number of innovative ways to raise the funds and the club appreciates the support afforded by the community, local businesses and Lyme Regis Town Council.

Three existing wooden boats, Revenge, Black Ven and Tempest, were all built in Lyme Regis by boat builder, Gail McGarva.

These form part of the club’s heritage and the expansion of the fleet will provide more opportunities for all Lyme’s crews.