Racing doubles island population

The annual event has attracted international teams

Thousands of people are in the Isles of Scilly for the annual World Pilot Gig Championships.

The event, which doubles the population of the islands, has attracted a record number of entries this year.

There are 111 teams competing from around the world in a variety of classes, including crews from the Netherlands and the US.

The Veterans titles went to Falmouth Women's Vets in Irene Two and Caradon Men's Vets in Millers' Daughter.

Hilary Moll, who travelled to the Scillies from Plymouth, Massachusetts, to row with team members in the gig Saquish, said she was there to learn.

Harbour navigation

"We're used to doing very well, but here it'll be a real learning experience," she told BBC News.

"We feel like students and we're here to watch the teachers."

The first gigs were built at the end of the 18th Century in Cornwall to take pilots out to sailing ships to safely navigate the small harbours.

The gigs had to be fast as it was the pilot from the first boat to reach the anchored ship who was paid for the job.

Traditionally, the 32ft (10m) gigs are clinker-built rowing boats made from elm and crewed by six oarsmen and a coxswain.

Racing will continue over the Bank Holiday.

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