ROYAL Marines officers took on their non-commissioned officer colleagues at a gruelling gig-race across Plymouth Sound.

Members of 30 Commando, from Royal Marines Stonehouse Barracks took part in the challenge to row across Plymouth Sound and back - in a typical Commando test of strength, fitness, stamina and teamwork.

Although the sea was calm, the rowers faced a tide against them and a tricky cross-current in the middle of the Sound.

Royal Marines Officers and attached personnel took on the sergeants and warrant officers of Plymouth -based 30 Cdo IX in the Cornish Gig race across Plymouth Sound and back.

The two-mile race started from the Camber sailing centre with two races staged and the combined scores of both races determined the winners.

The first race was close - with a little interpretation of the rules by the officers, they won the first race.

The winning time was 10.21min and the sergeants’ 10.51min.

The second race was more clear-cut with the officers having the added skilled advantage of Captain Chris Nutting, an ex-British University Rowing Champ finalist - they stormed ahead and secured a second convincing win. Sergeant Lloyd Willams, 37, of Devon said: “Training and timing was key to this event and we lacked in both areas.”

Captain Chris Nutting, 29, of Nottingham said: “Not knowing who the crew was until the day of the race meant that we had no time to train together, all we had was 5 minutes practise before the start which is not enough, but we won.

"Maybe ewe could have done even better with some of the crew were trying too hard the key is timing and rhythm. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”