Bermuda’s Pilot Gig Rowing History
Bermuda Pilot Gigs are traditional pilot rowing boats which were an important part of Bermuda’s multi-racial maritime history. The use of manpowered pilot gigs began in Bermuda in the 1600’s. Pilot gigs were used well into the 1900s to put local pilots aboard incoming vessels to bring them safely through Bermuda’s treacherous reefs and channels.
The pilot gigs were raced to approaching ships to compete for the opportunity to pilot the ships approaching the island – the first boat to reach the ship would get the job!
The relationship between Bermudians and the sea has shaped our cultural identity from the earliest days of settlement until present day.
“Boats, next to fortifications are the most important, beneficial and useful instruments that the Island can possibly have.”
Bermuda Governor, Nathaniel Butler, 1620.
Check Out These Historical Slides
These slides have been provided by Jane Downing, with permission from The National Museum of Bermuda.
FUN FACTS:
- The innovative Bermuda rig boat design, dating back to the 1600s, created the ability to zig-zag upwind becoming the basis for most modern day sailing boats. Still used today, the design continues to be implemented in cutting-edge sailing technology. 99% of the world uses the Bermuda Rig design.
- Bermuda Cedar is an incredibly strong resilient form of wood but also incredibly lightweight which allowed most early designs to be singularly planked instead of the traditionally double planked vessels.
- Did you know? Bermudians refer to traveling up and down the island in reference to the average wind direction. So, if traveling from Somerset to St. Georges you would normally be going with the wind - “down the country”.
Pilot Gig Rowing Today
Our pilot gigs are 32 foot long, six-oared rowing boats, historically wooden but are now constructed of fiberglass for easy maintenance. They are sea-going and are almost exactly the same design as the pilot gigs used in Bermuda for hundreds of years. The boats are used every morning and evening during the week and weekend. Our active members range from age 14 to 70+, in which all ages engage in social and/or competitive rowing.
Cultural Heritage
Pilot Gigs are an important part of Bermuda’s multi-racial maritime history. In addition to our sporting events the gigs are used for reenactments and local tourist experiences, thereby contributing to Bermuda’s cultural tourism appeal. The Bermuda Tourism Authority fully and financially supports our project.
Youth and Sport
Pilot gig racing is fast becoming an international sport for which Bermuda’s waters are ideally suited. The sport is open to everyone from schoolchildren to senior citizens. It promotes the development of ‘team spirit’, self-esteem and fitness. It is a grass roots sport which has broad appeal for all segments of the community.
Health and Fitness
The Bermuda Diabetes Association has recognized the importance of gig rowing as a unique and exciting alternative in helping people pursue a healthy lifestyle and preventing the onset of diabetes. They consequently provided funding for one of our gigs and supported one of our regattas in autumn 2015.
Ready to give pilot gig rowing a try?
