The Cockleshell Challenge and a Commanding Officers' departure

June was a busy month for the Royal Navy Gig Rowing Club as they took on the Cockleshell Challenge, the Round Hayling Race and rowed a Commanding Officer away from his ship for the final time.

On the 11 June 23, the Royal Navy Portsmouth Gig Rowing Club took part in the Cockleshell Challenge near Southsea, Portsmouth, completing the race in 90 minutes and placing third in class. 
 
The 7.2 nautical mile race takes places near where the Cockleshell Heroes of World War II trained for Operation Frankton - the now famous raid by canoe-born Commandos on shipping in the Bordeaux Harbour in December 1942.
 
The race started under light rain and with some choppy seas, which the team fought through well and made good progress against the other competitors. As the day progressed the weather warmed up and the sea settled, improving race conditions. This allowed the team to settle into a better rhythm and power their way to the finish line.

The club entered the gruelling Round Hayling Race on the 18th June and completed the 13-mile course in 2 hours 32 minutes. They were again the 3rd fastest Cornish Pilot Gig and 5th fastest overall in a strong field of over 20 boats. 

These endurance races are ideal preparation for the Great River Race in September which involves over 300 boats and a 22-mile course.

To finish off a busy month for RN Portsmouth Gig Rowers, Commander Charles Wheen RN was rowed away from HMS Iron Duke by members of the club to mark his departure as her Commanding Officer. 

It is traditional for Commanding Officers to be escorted from their ship or establishment by novel means and the club were delighted to oblige and give him a lift back to shore from HMS Iron Duke in the club’s oldest gig Acorn for his final departure.

The club trains every Wednesday from the Royal Navy Sailing Club on Whale Island and is always keen to support grassroots activity. Teams can be entered based on age and gender so there is something for everyone.