The inception of Coverack Gig Club dates back to the late 90’s, when one evening pub talk turned to rowing. It emerged numerous locals had experienced gig racing with the surrounding clubs and had thoroughly enjoyed it. The vision of Coverack’s very own gig was inspiration enough and resulted in the formation of Coverack Gig Club.

The desire for Coverack’s own Gig resulted in relentless fundraising by the founder members. The generosity of local business people who provided a mix of sponsorship and interest free loans, along with the endeavors of club members, the fundraising committee were in a position to place the commission of a new gig with Jim and Dave Currah of Looe in early 2000.

Lark, named after the last pilchard boat to work out of Coverack (late 19th century), was launched on August bank holiday Monday in 2000. Coverack harbour saw a tremendous turnout to witness the launch of Lark. The blessing was conducted by St Keverne Rev Tim Hawkins. Support from neighbouring clubs and Mevagissey gig club, who provided competition for the days friendly races, ensured the launch day ran smoothly.

The colours of Lark, and subsequently Manacle Belle, are traditional Cornish colours - black (below the water line) and gold (hull). The rubbing strips are black with the gunnels varnished.

After the launch of Lark Coverack gig club grew from strength to strength.

The following year (2001) saw the ladies crew take part in the clubs first World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly - 7 woman, a coxswain and 2 supporters make the trip to the Isles of Scilly with the premise, it’s not the winning, but the taking part that counts. As it turned out, the Ladies crew came 34th out of the 84 entrants and were obviously delighted with their achievement.

As work commitments prevented the Men’s crew competing at the Isles of Scilly, Mevagissey Men’s were loaned the Lark in 2001 winning their group (Group C). The weekend proved to be the beginning of Lark’s, and Coverack’s, success both on and off the water.

The following year Coverack entered crews in both the Men’s and Ladies sections, and as with any Gig Club the May Bank Holiday weekend is a permanent fixture in the club’s diary. In recent years the club has taken two Men’s crews, two Ladies crews and a Veterans crew.

In September 2002 a Mens crew entered the Great London River Race winning the gig class with a time of 2 hours 21 minutes 19 seconds; just a couple of minutes shy of the class record. The Great River Race, which starts at Ham House and continues for 23 miles down the Thames to Greenwich, is run annually with hundreds of entrants in all manner of crafts; however invariably clashes with the County Championships at Newquay and as such is poorly attended by gigs.

On the whole, competitiveness has wavered overtime, with the inevitable gain and loss of rowers, however the Men’s A crew have remained competitive. Highlights for them include finishing 6th out of 85+ in the first race in the Scillies (2004), and reaching the final of the County Championships, held annually in Newquay during September, in 2005.

With an ever increasing number of members, especially in the Juniors section, the clubs motivation was once again turned to serious fundraising; in order to secure a second gig for the 2005 season.

Sponsored rows, bicycle rides and car washes, along with grants from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, St Keverne Parish Council, Kerrier District Council as well as local businesses and Sportsmatch  ensured the clubs dream was realised.

In 2005, on the 23rd of April, ‘Manacle Belle’, built by Maurice Hunkin of Fowey was launched at Porthoustock. Named after the warning bell that warns passing ships of the perilous Manacle rocks 1.5 miles off Porthoustock, she was also blessed by the Rev Tim Hawkins. Once again there was tremendous support from both the local community and other gig clubs was received. 

With a further increase in membership fundraising has commenced once again, this time with the aim of securing a fibreglass gig for training purposes.