The first fishermen from Martinique were using the gum, a vessel carved from a tree of the same name. This tree eventually was depleted from the forests as the number of fishermen increased. In the 40s, the locals designed a framed boat inspired by both the gum and the European gig. The gig gained acclaim and became established, and fishermen used mainly sail to return to their place of work. The competition at work soon grew to the organized racing the island enjoys today.