SWANAGE Sea Rowing Club’s successful bid to host the inaugural National Supervets Gig Rowing Championships has proved a great boost to the town's late season watersports calendar.

Over 34 clubs stretching right along the south coast from Mounts Bay in the West to Langstone in the east will descend on the town to compete in the high kudos event taking place this Saturday.

The crews, seeded from the World Championships held on the Isles of Scilly in May, will race in heats around a kite shaped course in the bay with the finish line strategically placed off the town’s Mowlem Theatre.

After first round time trials, progression will see clubs race in plate and shield finals, with the fastest 10 crews battling for the coveted trophy.

To qualify all rowers must be aged 50 or over on the day with the event being endorsed by the sports governing body, the Cornish Pilot Gig Association.

The stream team will be live filming all the days action and it can be watched on GigRower.co.uk

Preparations for the event began well over six months ago, working with Swanage Town Council and various other stakeholders.

Cornish Pilot gig rowing and racing has been around Dorset for 20 years, with Weymouth, Bridport, Poole, Portland and Lyme Regis all having clubs, as well as Swanage.

This achievement only forms a part of the club’s sucess so far this season, with the Mens B crew winning the Jurassic League Cup at Sidmouth in August and the Men's Masters crew taking gold by just three seconds at the championships in Paignton earlier this month.

Alongside competitive rowing, the club also take part in ‘fun on the water events’, including novice races during Lifeboat flag week and an annual fun ‘mini regatta’ during carnival week.

The club also has a very strong social rowing section, who love to be out on the water and warmly welcome new members of all levels, along with running learn to row courses.

Anyone interested should visit SSRC.org.uk