A record number of boats will go under starters orders this weekend at the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly.

In an event which sees the isle's population more than double, the organisers have revealed that there will be some important changes in a bid to answer accusations of unfairness.

Rick Persich, chairman of the World Pilot Gigs Championships Committee, promised it would be another great weekend of racing.

"We have 131 gigs taking part, which is the highest number ever.

"The event just seems to get more and more popular and every year people say it is big enough, but then every year we have more gigs coming forward."

This year's event will welcome four new clubs to the championship from Barnstaple, Bideford, Clevedon and Bridport.

There are seven new gigs on the water for the first time and another seven known to be under construction.

"It's all proof of what a thriving sport this is," said Mr Persich.

The championship kicks off tonight with the veterans races.

However, the main event will be tomorrow when all 131 gigs will line up at St Agnes and race the 1.59 nautical miles to St Mary's in a tough contest which decides seeding for subsequent heats.

Mr Persich said the organising committee had examined claims the format of the long line racing towards a smaller point gave the advantage to teams at the centre who would therefore have to cover a shorter distance.

"It was drawn to our attention and we looked long and hard at it and decided to make the start line curved to eliminate the advantage."

The official starter, Keith Hale, worked out the exact measurements to ensure and even field, but will not be present to see the result.

Instead he will be in the more stately surroundings of Westminster Abbey with his wife as the couple have been invited to the Royal Wedding as tenants of the Duchy of Cornwall.

Last year there was heartache for four women's teams who finished the gruelling race only to be told they had been disqualified for "pushing", or being over, the starting line when the flag went down.

Mr Persich said stewards would still be strict with crews deemed to have broken the rules, despite the new starting orders.

The weekend marks 22 years since Scillonians first decided to organise an event to tempt rowers over from the mainland – and with typical dry wit named it the World Championships. It has grown every year since and regularly attracts rowing clubs from all over the globe. The event ends on Monday with a rugby match and sailing race.