A brand new Cornish pilot gig was launched from Kiln Quay beach in Flushing on Saturday.

Commissioned by Flushing & Mylor Pilot Gig Club, Mylor is specially designed to enable disabled people to enjoy the sport, with adaptations which will make it possible for people with a variety of disabilities to get out on the water safely.

Dave Matthews, club chairman, said: ‘We are very proud to launch Mylor, the latest addition to our fleet of five pilot gigs. She looks great and thanks to the design enhancements more people can now experience our sport in these beautiful surroundings.

"Rowing is a superb all-round exercise, good for the body and the mind. We have a brilliant, spirited club full of friendly helpful people and excellent facilities here at Flushing, so get in touch if you’d like a closer look."

She was launched by founder member of the club and Flushing resident Rodney Myers, in the traditional Oggy way of breaking a pasty across her bow.

Canon Andrew Stevenson of St Peter’s Church in Flushing blessed her, before being taken on her maiden row by members of the club.

Simon Thompson, Learn 2 Row and Rowability coach for the club, coxed for her first voyage.

He said: "Our new gig means people with physical disabilities and conditions such as ME or PTSD, and learning difficulties can get out onto the water safely with the right support. Huge thanks to Sport England for the grant that has made this possible."

The Lemonaires saluted her with rousing sea shanties as she rowed out into Falmouth Harbour and club members raised a Champagne toast.

Mylor has been built by Fusion. She will be used for the club’s Rowability scheme as well as Learn to Row sessions, general training and social rowing.

Flushing and Mylor Pilot Gig Club is one of only three clubs in Cornwall with facilities to enable disabled people to get on the water.

Features of the new gig include a lighter weight, making her easier to lift in and out of the water, a removable pilot seat in the bow and a fixed seat behind the cox to allow a coach to instruct new coxes.

Mylor has been built with a grant of £10,000 from Sport England, with support from British Rowing.