The 23rd World Pilot Gig Championships will take place on the Isles of Scilly from 4 May until 7 May 2012. On behalf of the organising committee I am pleased to invite you to take part in this unique event. For those of you that regularly attend the format has not changed considerably. The new start line, comprising a straight line between each of the various start buoys was considered a great success and will be retained.
The committee has listened very carefully to numerous competitors who have requested a super vets race. We have decided to incorporate a super vets race, for crews that have attained the age of 50 years, within the Friday night veterans races. We just do not have time over this weekend to incorporate further races. Those wishing to take part in the super vets races will have to complete a new registration form and will NOT be eligible for placings in the veterans races irrespective of how well they do. Any crew that has not registered solely as a super vets crew will not be placed in the event. Trophies and medals will be presented to the successful crews.
This year the event will take place during big spring tides. This will prevent many gigs from remaining on Town beach. The probability is that most gigs will have to go to Porth Mellon beach and be drawn up onto the bank at the top of the beach after the race on Sunday. It would therefore be appropriate to remind crews that tying a gig to a running line on Town beach is strictly prohibited. We have had some strongly worded complaints about so doing.
Last year the committee was very pleased that there was not a need to disqualify crews for pushing the line. This was probably due in no small part to a strong headwind at the start line. We shall continue our strict policy of disqualification for crews failing to accord with the instructions of the starter. The overwhelming number of competitors feel this is fair to all.
As always there may be variations to the racing code of practice and the overall staging of the event due to matters beyond the control of the committee. It is therefore most important that all relevant parties attend the Coxes Friday night meeting. Those arriving on the early morning Scillonian sailing on the Saturday should attend that morning's briefing on Holgates Green.
I wish you all a successful, competitive, and enjoyable event. As always I shall be on the committee bench outside the tunnel for the duration of the event, eating Maggie's delicious food and answering any queries you may have. Please join me there.

Rick Persich, Chairman World Pilot Gigs Championships Committee.
Email: rickpersich@aol.com