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Newquay Rowing Club was formed in 1921 with the first rowing season in 1922. The club started with three old gigs, Newquay (1812), Dove (1820) and Treffry (1838). Apart from the Isles of Scilly, Newquay was the last port in Cornwall to have pilot gigs.
Gig racing was a long established sport in Newquay before 1922. During the 1830`s, 40`s and 50`s gig racing had become a popular sport all around Cornwall, often with considerable amounts of prize money going to the winning crews.
By the 1880`s gig racing in Cornwall was in decline, the industrial revolution was under way and engines were replacing sail and oar. Gigs around Cornwall were left to rot or were broken up but Newquay was fortunate to retain some of its gigs, others like the Teazer being classed as "worthless wrecks" and lost.
Racing did continue in Newquay up until the outbreak of the First World War with many races held on the River Gannel. During the war years the gigs were left idle and it wasn't until 1921 that men who had rowed gigs before the war felt it was time the sport of gig racing should be revived. The companies who owned the gigs were approached and agreed to sell them for £5 each. At the initial meeting 54 enthusiasts turned up, a committee was formed and Newquay Rowing Club was born.
The gigs were brought from the Fly Cellars to the harbour, one by water the other two by wagon as they were in such a poor state. Club members set about making them seaworthy and painted them ready for their first race in 1922.
In 1922 the club was presented with the Silver Gig Trophy, given by Mr. T. A. Reed, a Newquay businessman and great supporter of the rowing club. The Trophy is of a model gig seven inches long, complete in every detail including a set of silver oars. It was and still is the most prestigious trophy that a club member can row for, only the three old gigs are used, with the top eighteen rowers from the club selected to compete.
Around 1929/30 interest waned but some ex-members continued to practice and race gigs, continuing up to the outbreak of the Second World War. Throughout the war the gigs were used by cadets for training which stopped them drying out and kept them watertight.
In 1947 the club was officially reformed. At that time the three old gigs were still in their original colours - black outside with a cream interior. An appeal was made for rowers and in short time the club was under way with a large contingent of rowers and supporters. In 1951 the trustees of the gigs gave permission for the gigs to be changed to their present day colours, Newquay - Red, Dove - White, Treffry - Blue.
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