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under South Devon’s spell through holidays - camping at Slapton, weekends in a small flat on Newcomen Road and eventually buying a home overlooking the River Dart on the site of an old boathouse in Southtown. Charles later founded Ribeye Boats, while Peta helped run the business and raise their family. Fitness fitted around life where it could, but organised sport remained a luxury. Only in her early 50s, once her
children were older, did Peta finally make time for herself. “I’ve always been competitive,” she
says. Tat instinct found its outlet when friends persuaded her to join the town’s newly formed gig club. Tree decades later, Dartmouth
Gig Club celebrates its 30th anniversary and has grown into one of the country’s leading clubs. “I loved rowing from the start,”
Peta said. “It wasn’t long before I raced, and it wasn’t long before they put me in stroke.” For those unfamiliar with gig
rowing, the stroke seat is both an honour and a responsibility. Sitting nearest the stern, the stroke rower sets the rhythm for everyone else. Every catch, drive and recovery is followed by the five rowers behind. If the rhythm is smooth, the boat sings. If it falters, everybody feels it. “It is a responsible
position,” Peta says. “But you’re all in it together.” Tat sense of teamwork defines everything she says about rowing. “I love rowing with other people. You’re all pulling together. Tat’s what makes it special.” Peta believes the very
best races come when every crew member moves in perfect
are won. Twice a week the crew battle through gruelling ergo rowing machine sessions, followed by strength work, spinning, circuits and long hours on the water. “We hate the ergos,”
she laughs. “It’s a mind- set. You’ve just got to get through it.” Tere are no shortcuts.
Masters came second in the 2025 Masters Championships.
harmony. “I can count on one hand the number of really good races I’ve been in,” she says. “Everybody has got to be putting it in. Everybody has to be completely together.”
“I loved rowing from the start. It wasn’t long before I raced, and it wasn’t long before they put me in stroke.”
When that elusive rhythm arrives,
something remarkable happens. “It actually feels easier,” she said. Tis year that harmony carried Dartmouth’s Masters women to European gold. Te crew has stayed together for two years under coach Trevor Pretty, building trust as well as fitness. Winter, Peta says, is where races
Dart Gig Ladies
Despite her modesty, Peta trains with the commitment of someone half her age. “I could use my age as an ex- cuse,” she says. “But I won’t.”
At 73 she is oſten more than a
decade older than her crewmates. “I’ve got to up my game even more to deserve that stroke seat.” Peta refuses to accept that age should lower expectations. “I don’t like people telling me I shouldn’t liſt the boat,” she states matter-of-factly. “I’m perfectly capable. I’m probably stronger than some younger people.” Tere is no bravado in the remark. It is simply a statement of fact from someone who has spent years proving what an active life can look like. Most mornings begin with a
20-minute run before the day properly begins. Early morning training, she says, is never the difficult part. “I’d rather train than do almost anything else.” As junior captain Peta hopes to
Peta with some of her juniors at Appledore.
lead by example. “I hope they can see I’m a role model, not just an old granny - that I can put the effort in, still win and still enjoy it.” She speaks about the
club’s juniors with the same warmth she shows her team- mates. “It’s lovely to bring the kids along. Tey’re the future of the club. Rowing’s great for your mental and physical wellbeing, and it’s wonderful to see them enjoy racing.” Te Masters category is
still relatively new, and Peta sees the women competing
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