Drawing on her own experiences as three times World Champion, Mel will tell the extraordinary story of how racing these boats is continuing to bring communities together from Cornwall to Singapore.

Mel says: "I'll be telling the story of the brave rowers who risked their lives during the 1800s and early 1900s, either piloting or rescuing and salvaging ships that floundered off the Cornish coast.

"We'll follow the story of the gigs demise through the two World Wars, up until the 1950s when a handful of local enthusiasts helped bring the phenomenal popularity of gig racing to where it is today."

The talk, entitled Cornish Gigs: Rowing, Racing and Revival is part of a programme combining a lecture and lunch, which explores different historical and nautical themes. The lecture and set lunch is from 12.30pm at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, on Monday March 2 and costs £16. To book your place please call 01326 214546.