LIVE BLOG: Team GB rowers take on Cornish gigs

The cream of Cornwall's gig rowers will be taking on a team of Olympians in the ultimate Cornish rowing battle this afternoon, which will be covered live on thisiscornwall.co.uk.

10 Team GB Rowing Olympic medalists will be taking to the water off of St Mawes Harbour in a nail-biting challenge.

Cornwall's rowing Olympic medallists Helen Glover and Annie Vernon will be taking part in the races, which start from 6pm, with Ed Coode providing the commentary.

In the first heat from Pendennis Point to St Mawes Quay the coxed fours sliding seat (Team GB) and fixed seat (gig) crews will race for victory.

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Two further races will follow, starting and finishing from St Mawes, this time with the Team GB ladies rowing gigs against

ladies from Falmouth, Roseland and Flushing and Mylor gig clubs, as well as mixed teams from clubs across Cornwall. 

An afternoon and evening of shoreside activities will be on St Mawes quay, including a challenge to the public to take on the Team GB rowers on Ergo rowing machines.

There will be a barbecue on the quay and hog roast at St Austell Brewery's Rising Sun pub, with pints of Tribute Ale on sale for a special price of £2.50 and for every pint sold on the night, £1 will be donated to ShelterBox, the Helston-based disaster relief charity the event is raising money for.

A road closure will be in place in the village from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and additional parking will be available in the English Heritage car parks – follow the signs when you reach St Mawes.

Visitors from Falmouth are recommended to use the St Mawes to Falmouth Ferry where possible, a discounted return fare will be available for the 15:15, 16:15 or 17:15 outbound ferries and the 20:45 and 21:45 return ferries.

Spectator boats will be running to watch the racing close up, with a £2 minimum donation to ShelterBox, departing around 10 minutes before race starts. 

Sponsors and supporters of the Cornish Rowing Challenge include the Team GB Rowers, Roseland Gig Club, British Rowing, Seasalt, VisitCornwall, Fal River, Event Cornwall, St Austell Brewery, A & P Falmouth, University College Falmouth and St Mawes Harbours Commissioners, with wide support from St Just in Roseland Parish Council as well as businesses and clubs in the village.

Follow the LIVE BLOG here from 5pm