The normally strict rules of Cornish gig rowing were cast aside at the weekend as rowers and spectators enjoyed a friendly battle for supremacy of the waves.

Charlestown Club played host to the event which attracted three other Cornish clubs. Under generous sunny skies a light wind caused only a few ripples on the surface of the water pleasing many of the rowers taking part.

Favourable conditions meant that the first set of gigs got away sharply from the beach at 3pm on the dot.

Clubs limbering up to take part in the rowing included the host team, Roseland, Mevagissey and Fowey.

In the tightly-run Ladies A race it was Roseland who snatched victory from under the nose of the Charlestown team with Fowey taking third prize, leaving Mevagissey with fourth position.

The Men's A battle saw the boys from Fowey powering into first place, closely followed by the Roseland crew, Charlestown taking third and Mevagissey in fourth place.

Fowey took gold in the Ladies' B race, pushing the women from Charlestown into second place, while Roseland came in third and Mevagissey fourth.

Roseland were first to steam across the finishing line in the Men's B race with Charlestown following behind in second place, Fowey in third and fourth place going to the Mevagissey team. In the veteran's competition Fowey stole first place, Roseland came in second position followed by Mevagissey and Charlestown.

After the main races were over members of the public were invited to pick the oars and have a go at rowing.

Michael Edwards, chairman of the Roseland Club, praised the host club for putting on a fantastic day of rowing.

He said: "The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. Charlestown did a great job and we all really enjoyed the day. The barbecue and refreshments afterwards were great.

"Friendly races are perfect because we don't stick to the normal rules – apart from health and safety of course, and the teams can be mixed up a bit."

Around a hundred spectators watched the rowing as well as some curious holiday-makers. Mr Edwards, said: "A coach trip full of Indians on holiday stopped to have a look at what was going on. They seemed to enjoy what they were watching. It's great that visitors to Cornwall have had the chance to see for themselves a sport that is uniquely Cornish."