The club dates back to the early 1950's with flash boats originally being the main stay of the club, in 1992 Looe Pilot Gig Club was formed, and in 2000 the flash club and the pilot gig clubs merged.

From the early days there were two styles of gigs, one heavier for carrying cargo, and the other slim and light for piloting, where speed was essential. These lighter gigs were used to ferry pilots from their home ports to the merchant vessels trying to gain access to a port. This is how gig racing orginated, as crews would compete to put their pilot on the vessel first, knowing they would recieve a purse of money for doing so.

Taken from traditional design, the gigs that are built today follow the orginal specifications as laid down by the Peters family of St Mawes in the form of the gig Treffy (1838). Built from narrow leaf, ideally Cornish elm, the modern gig is a speedy seaworthy vessel, racing out in the open sea and able to withstand inclement conditions

Local boat builders Jim and Dave Currah, were responsible for building our wooden gigs, Ryder (1992), Samphire (1999), Talisman (2011) and Currah's Pride (2018).  Ryder was named after the last row/sail lifeboat to be stationed in Looe during the 1900s, whilst a local beach became inspiration for Samphire. Talisman was named to bring good fortune to the club and the name Currah's Pride speaks for itself.  

We also have 4 flash boats and 3 plastic gig training boats.  Our boats are stored near the Millpool (Polean Shed) and just above the beach (Esmee Couch Shed) in Looe in front of the Admiral Boswcawn Pub.