Britannia Royal Naval College is delighted to be getting a third Cornish pilot gig, a type now raced throughout the West Country.

The Britannia Association, made up of alumni of the College as well as those who became officers through other routes, has already given donated Leander and Bacchante.

The new gig should be out of the builders by April next year, giving plenty of time to think of a name.

Built of English oak and Cornish elm, they are traditionally designed and locally built rowing boats originally used to deliver pilots to incoming merchant ships.

The Dartmouth College has a dynamic and committed club ready to take part in all aspects of pilot gig racing, which demands physical stamina, co-ordination and team-work, and is proving popular among both staff and Young Officers as their first full season gets under way.

Trainees are now volunteering for boat pulling at 0600, we are told.