Eastney Cruising Association (ECA) has three Cornish Pilot Gigs. Two are training gigs built from GRP in 2015 (named in memory of ECA members Sir Alec Rose and Alex Baker BEM) and in 2019 we bought our first wooden gig named Cockleshell (formerly Essa at Caradon) to remember the connection between Eastney and the Royal Marines.

 

1. About the Event

The Cockleshell Challenge is a rowing race for fixed-seats boats/gigs of different classes and types.

 

The Cockleshell Challenge is held annually, the next one is planned to take place on Sunday, 24-May-2026.

 

The race starts (and finishes) at the ECA – Hayling Island start line at the entrance to Langstone Harbour. The start line is marked by two orange triangles to the flagpole at the Race Officer’s hut at the ECA Clubhouse. The course is approximately 7.2 nautical miles (nm).  The guide time for completion of the course is 1 hour 45 minutes.

 

The normal course of the race is as depicted in Guides, Item No 3a below and is supplemented by an alternative course should conditions or events prevent the normal course.

 

Very extreme conditions and other unforeseen circumstances may result in cancellations of the event, however, every effort will be taken to provide reasonable advance notice, as far as practicable. An alternative date may be sought at ECA discretion, subject to prevailing conditions and circumstances.

 

2. Anticipated Awards

The following award categories will generally apply but may be adjusted by ECA and announced at the pre-race briefing: –

• Fastest in Class Boat/Gig where there are at least 3 in race (Handicaps NOT applicable).
• Fastest in Class Boat/Gig Group where less than 3 boats in race (Handicaps apply).
• Fastest Overall Mixed team (Handicaps apply)
• Fastest Overall Open/Males team (Handicaps apply)
• Fastest Overall Female team (Handicaps apply) + Trophy/Plaque
• Fastest Overall Boat/Gig (Handicaps apply) + Trophy/Plaque
• Fastest Elapsed Time (ET) Boat/Gig (Handicaps NOT applicable) + Trophy/Plaque

Boat/Gig Classes and handicaps are as defined in the 3Harbours Ouse Yardstick (OY) for the year.

 

3. Guides

The following documents are prepared for Clubs and Coxswains’ information: –

No	Item Description with Hyperlink
a	Rowing Directions and Guide for Coxes
b	Event Plan and Arrival Instructions for Clubs

Additional information may be provided separately or at the pre-race briefings.

 

4. Entry

The following forms are to be completed, and fees paid by Clubs attending the Cockleshell Challenge event as specified in specific event correspondence.

 

Item No 4a required when Clubs are invited to register their interest and Item No 4b required from Clubs following confirmation of entries by ECA.

No	Item Description with Hyperlink
a	Registration of Interest Google Form
b	Entry and Self-Certification Form (1 per Boat/Gig)

 

5. Past Results

The Cockleshell Challenges started in 2017 with a Covid-19 pause in 2020/21. See below for recent results.

Year	Item Description with Hyperlink
2022	Cockleshell Challenge Results (22-May)
2023	Cockleshell Challenge Results (11-June)
2024	Cockleshell Challenge Results (28-Sept)
2025	Cockleshell Challenge Results (19-July)
2026	Cockleshell Challenge Results (Dd-Mmm)
2027	Cockleshell Challenge Results (Dd-Mmm)
2028	Cockleshell Challenge Results (Dd-Mmm)
2029	Cockleshell Challenge Results (Dd-Mmm)
2030	Cockleshell Challenge Results (Dd-Mmm)

Our picture gallery is on Instagram

For further details, please contact ECA Gig Section Admin at email below.

[email protected]