Oars, Oomph, and Awesome Women: Celebrating Women’s Gig Racing with Molarky!

If you've ever stood on a Cornish quay and heard the rhythmic splash of oars hitting the water, caught the echo of cheers bouncing off the harbour walls, or witnessed a team of fierce women powering a sleek wooden gig through open seas like it’s nobody’s business—then you’ve seen the magic of women’s gig racing.

And if you haven’t? Well, grab a mug (preferably one with a sassy seagull on it), pull up a cushion, and let us at Molarky row you into the world of salty hair, sunburnt shoulders, serious muscles, and the pure exhilaration that is women’s gig racing.

Because at Molarky, we’re not just fans—we’re full-blown fangirls of the sport. So much so that we’ve created an entire collection of cheeky, charming, and downright empowering merch to celebrate the women who live for the oar.

And where better to show it all off than at the Hayle Pilot Gig Event on June 29th, right on King George Memorial Walk?

Yep—we’ll be there, and trust us, we’re bringing the vibes.

But First… What Is Gig Racing?

Think of it as rowing’s saltier, grittier, much cooler cousin.

A Cornish pilot gig is a traditional six-oared wooden rowing boat—around 32 feet long and just under 5 feet wide. These beauties were originally used to ferry pilots (the people who guide ships safely into harbour) out to approaching vessels. But here’s the twist: it was a race. The first gig to reach the incoming ship won the job. So, yeah—speed mattered. A lot.

Fast forward a couple of centuries, and this once-practical necessity has evolved into a full-blown sport with serious heritage, serious biceps, and a seriously loyal fanbase. Especially among women.

Women at the Helm

The sight of a women's gig crew slicing through a chop is the stuff of local legend. These rowers are strong, strategic, and unstoppable. The camaraderie? Unbeatable. The training? Brutal. The adrenaline? Off the charts.

Clubs across Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and beyond are filled with women of all ages—teenagers just finding their sea legs, seasoned pros with years on the oar, and everyone in between.

You’ll find women powering gigs in places like Fowey, Newquay, St. Agnes, Mount’s Bay, and Helford River—whose phenomenal women's open crew just snagged the title at the World Pilot Gig Championships 2025 on the Isles of Scilly. (Cue the confetti and very loud cheering!)

Speaking of the WPGC—that’s the World Pilot Gig Championships, held annually in the stunning Isles of Scilly—it’s the Glastonbury of the gig world. Crews from all over the globe come to battle it out in what is possibly the most picturesque (and competitive) race you’ll ever see.

But beyond the glory and the medals, there’s something deeply beautiful about women’s gig racing. It’s fierce. It’s joyful. It’s empowering. It’s a community on the water.

Enter: Molarky. Merch with Muscle (and a Giggle)

So where does Molarky come in? We’re the gig-racing cheerleaders. The makers of mischief. The purveyors of quirky-cool merch that speaks fluent saltwater sass.

To honour this brilliant sport and the badass women who row it, we’ve launched a couple of lines of gig-racing goodies. We’re talking:

• T-shirts that shout out your sea spirit.

• Mugs that are as strong as your morning brew (and your boat crew).

• Plus a collection of little bits and bobs perfect for gifts or just adding a little bit of  Molarky charm to your day.

We’ve also got pieces from our much-loved collections:

• Sea Sisters – celebrating sisterhood, salt spray, and all things ocean-souled.

• Vintage Vixens – think retro sass, fierce, feminine and fabulous.

• Hippy Happy Gull – for free-spirited beach babes and gulls with attitude.

Whether you're a die-hard rower, a sidelines supporter, or just someone who loves a bit of nautical nonsense, we’ve got something for you.

Join Us at Hayle!

So, where are we unleashing all this glorious gig gear?

The Hayle Pilot Gig Event, baby! On Saturday, June 29th, we’ll be setting up shop at King George Walk in Hayle, right by the action, under the Cornish sun (or clouds… or drizzle… we’re prepared for anything).

Organised by the brilliant Helen Coulson, this event brings together local and visiting clubs for a day of high-octane racing, belly laughs, and community pride.

Molarky will be popping up with:

✅ Exclusive gig racing apparel

✅ Brand new designs fresh from the sea press

✅ Cheerful chat and good vibes

✅ Cushions and hoodies to snuggle into

✅ Mugs so good you’ll want to sip every brew on the beach

Why We Love This Sport (and Why You Should Too)

Let’s get real for a sec.

In a world that sometimes feels like it’s paddling in circles, women’s gig racing is a beacon of strength, solidarity, and saltwater-fuelled joy. It’s about teamwork, resilience, and showing up when the tide’s high and when it’s turning against you.

It’s about pushing through choppy water with your crew beside you, yelling encouragement and digging deep.

It’s about connection—to each other, to history, to the sea.

And at Molarky, we think that’s something to celebrate with more than just a trophy. We want to wear it, sip from it, sit on it (hello, cushions), and shout about it from the harbour wall.

So, whether you’re mooching in Hayle, fancy a day of fun, or just gig-curious and love a good T-shirt, come find us on June 29th.

Final Paddle to Shore…

To every woman who’s ever rowed into the wind, blistered her hands for glory, hauled her gig over barnacled beaches, and grinned through the salt spray—we see you.

To the women just picking up an oar for the first time—welcome to the sisterhood.

And to the legends who make this sport what it is—from boat builders to club organisers to that one coxswain who always brings cake—thank you.

Molarky is here to cheer you on, kit you out, and keep the spirit of women’s gig racing alive in every wave, every whoop, and every wearable wink.

Now what?

🏁 Visit us at the Hayle Pilot Gig Event – June 29, King George Walk🛒 Shop the sass online anytime at www.molarky.net📸 Tag us in your gig pics and show off your gear @molarky.net💙 Support your local crew. Buy the tee. Wear the hoodie. Join the wave.

Because life’s too short for boring clothes—and way too fun for dry feet.