Gry Maritha and gig weekend: the ship behind the oars
As the World Pilot Gig Championships continue to grow year on year, we’re proud to recognise Gry Maritha as one of the heroes behind gig weekend. From delivering gig boats to carrying the supplies that keep the islands running, she has played a central role in supporting this Scillonian tradition since 1990.
Usually held during the May Day bank holiday weekend, the World Pilot Gig Championships bring Scilly alive. Spectators stand in St Mary’s harbour and cheer from the shore to hear the sound of the oars hitting the water and feel the buzz of anticipation as rowers race to the finish line. It’s a weekend to remember.
Behind the scenes, hard work starts long before the first race begins. Two ships have historically played a huge part in making the weekend possible. Scillonian III carries rowers, supporters and spectators to and from the islands throughout April and May, while Gry Maritha would begin preparing months in advance, transporting the first gig boats as early as February.
It feels only right to shine a light on Gry Maritha’s role in supporting gig weekend over the years. While the racing happens on the water, much of the real work has taken place on her decks.
From a handful of gigs to a global event
Looking back to 1990, when the World Pilot Gig Championships began, just 12 gigs were shipped to the Isles of Scilly. Back then, it was a modest gathering, rooted firmly in Cornish maritime tradition.
Today, the event has grown into an international celebration. Over the years, Gry Maritha has transported up to 120 gig boats each year. While the majority still make the journey from Cornwall and Devon, numbers have increased year on year, with crews now coming from London, the Netherlands and even further afield. This growth has been matched every step of the way by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and especially by Gry Maritha.
Built to carry tradition
Designed for heavy and awkward cargo, Gry Maritha has long been uniquely suited to carrying the long, fragile wooden gigs that sit at the heart of the championships. Carefully lifted, secured and stowed, each gig boat represents months of training, teamwork and tradition.
Alongside the crew on board, the Quay workers in both Penzance and St Mary’s are keeping the quayside flowing during the busiest weekends of the year. The combined efforts of the freight team make the gig weekend possible long before the races begin.
On arrival in Scilly, gig after gig is unloaded, ready to take to the water. It’s a familiar sight, and one that has quietly underpinned gig weekend for decades.
The unseen freight behind the racing
But gig weekend is about far more than boats alone.
In the week leading up to the championships, Gry Maritha delivered the supplies needed to support one of the isles’ busiest times of year. In 2025, the main drinks suppliers: St Austell Brewery, St Ives Brewery, Firebrand Brewery and LWC delivered just under 29 tonnes of drinks to the islands.
In previous years, the scale of this operation has been striking. Gry Maritha has carried up to 361 tonnes of freight in the run-up to gig weekend, including:
- Thousands of toilet rolls
- Over 20 tonnes of beer
- More than two tonnes of bacon and sausages
- As well as food, vehicles, safety boats and event infrastructure.
Not forgetting, all of this arrives alongside the everyday freight that locals rely on. Gry Maritha has long helped keep life on Scilly moving, even during its busiest weekends.
When the first races begin, most eyes are on the water. Crews battle the elements, crowds line the quays, and the Isles of Scilly pulse with energy. But none of it would be possible without Gry Maritha.
A workhorse, a lifeline, and a familiar sight, Gry Maritha’s connection to gig weekend is one worth celebrating.
