A gig bought from Falmouth Gig Club will be launched on The Thames next Wednesday, August 31, after it became the first boat of the newly-formed London Cornish Pilot Gig Club.

Grown out of the capital’s vibrant ‘expat’ Cornish community, the club aims to get Londoners to try out the sport.

Fury was built in 1992 by legendary gig builder Ralph Bird. Ralph’s son Patrick, who helped build the gig, now lives in London and has been helping to set up the new club.

Fury will race for the first time with her new club on the Thames in the Great River Race, in September 3. The London Cornish Pilot Gig Club’s purchase of Fury has been supported by a £10,000 grant from Sport England. The Cornish Pilot Gig Association and British Rowing have also provided invaluable advice and support.