Helford River Gig Club A Crew were crowned the winners at this year's Women's Newquay County Championships.

They narrowly beat Fowey A in a thrilling final watched by hundreds at Newquay Harbour.

It took place in a big sea swell, with Helford's women leading from the start but closely pursued by Fowey.

Despite Fowey's efforts, they could not surpass the leaders.

(Image: Mark Gilronan)

Newquay Rowing Club hosted the annual Women's Newquay County Championship, which saw more than 600 rowers from over 40 gig clubs participating.

The championship, which has been a tradition since 1980, has been a staple of the sport, particularly after World War II when Newquay Rowing Club played a crucial role in reviving interest in gig racing.

Gigs, traditionally built open wooden boats measuring 32 feet long, are rowed by six crew members and steered by a coxswain.

Since the sport's revival in the 1980s, it has seen significant growth, with around 8,000 rowers in 90 clubs across the UK, and more in Europe and America.

The two-day event saw participation from clubs ranging from the Isle of Scilly to Langstone in Hampshire and Clifton in Bristol.

(Image: Mark Gilronan)

Nick George from the CPGA commented on the event: "It was a really exciting final with the crews being so close for the whole two gruelling laps of the course, but Helford rowed brilliantly to hold onto the lead.

"Well done to them and Newquay Rowing Club who, as always, hosted a great event.

"We are looking forward to the Men's County Championships also in Newquay in two weeks' time."

The participating clubs included a diverse range from Clifton, Bridport, Clevedon, Caradon, Padstow, Cattewater, Charlestown, Cotehele, Dart, Swanage, Helford, Coverack, Cadgwith, Devoran, Falmouth, Langston, Yealm, Bude, Ilfracombe, Fowey, Flushing & Mylor, Porlock, Rock, Hayle, Bristol, Teign, Boscastle & Crackington, Exmouth, St Goran, Appledore, Paignton, Salcombe, Barnstaple, Mevagissey, Pendeen, St Agnes (Scilly), St Marys, Truro, Lyme Regis, Mounts Bay, Newquay, Portreath, Porthleven, Looe, Weymouth, Roseland, Crantock, Tresco & Bryher, and Brixham.

(Image: Mark Gilronan)

The Newquay Men's Championship is scheduled for September 28 and 29.

These races are part of the Cornish Pilot Gig Association’s "Wave of Events".

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cornwall Council has been chosen by the government as a lead authority for the fund, overseeing the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.