Bembridge Gig Fest 2026

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Bembridge Gig Fest 2026

Solent Spirit Trophy to be awarded for the first time

This weekend - 30th & 31st May - will see Bembridge Harbour host the annual Bembridge Gig Fest, now in its sixth year and very much part of the Isle of Wight water sports calendar. Organised by Bembridge Harbour Authority and Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club with support from Brading Haven Yacht Club, this is the Isle of Wight's only festival of its kind, an event for all types of traditional fixed seat rowing boats including Gigs and Galleys.

This year for the first time a brand new trophy will be awarded – Solent Spirit Trophy. Commissioned by Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club and designed and made by local carpenter Guy Mowles, it is made from West Wight Macrocarpa wood and will be awarded to the most successful club over the whole weekend. It takes its name from both one of Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club's Cornish Gig Pilot boats and also reflects the 'spirit' the Gig rowing community enjoys while rowing together.

Traditional fixed-seat rowing, particularly coastal rowing, has seen a large resurgence in popularity in the last decade. It is a distinct rowing discipline, different from the sliding seat rowing commonly seen in the Olympics and makes a wonderful, colourful sight out on the water. It is a truly inclusive sport and this a great opportunity to come along and see what it has to offer.

This year will see boats and crews representing the following clubs -

• Southsea Shovellers 
• Langstone Pilot Gig Club
• Langstone Cutters
• Island Rowing Club
• Swanage Sea Rowing Club
• Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club

Saturday 30th May

Racing will take place between 10.30 and 13.30 in the form of multiple 2km straight line races between Seagrove Bay and St Helens Beach and there will be great spectator viewing at Priory Bay or on the finish line in front of St.Helens Church. There is Bembridge Gig Fest social at the Duver Marina in the evening with music from local band The Lazerhearts (from 18.30), pizza's from the Duver Cafe, a BBQ and Steve's Bar will be quenching thirsts. This is open to crews and spectators alike.

Sunday 31st May

Racing will take place from 11.00 with a 2km race around St.Helens Fort and back with boats going off in 2 minute intervals, the winner being the boat with the fastest time. These races can be viewed from Silver Sands Beach.

“The weekend is a real celebration of Gig Rowing as it grows in popularity in the UK and the Isle of Wight is a perfect place to celebrate and bring other rowing clubs together and award for the very first time the Solent Spirt Trophy to the overall winning team of the weekend .” Keith Campbell, Chairman, Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club