MEMBERS of Weir Quay Sailing Club took part in its annual Tamar Bridge race with money from the entrance fee being donated to the RNLI.

Twelve dinghies competed for the Tony Newman Trophy but the force 3-4 southerly wind resulted in eight boats tacking their way down the river in sea conditions which became increasingly choppy as the tide turned. Robbie Harvey and Billy Wilkinson in the RS Vision had the top batten blown out and decided to call it a day and return to base. Mark Samson and his two children in a Mirror dinghy made great progress in the blustery conditions and turned back at the mid point to join in the race for the finish line with the remaining fleet.

Steve and Rob Kirby in a 505 dinghy were first around the bridge and hoisted their spinnaker for a blistering run up the Tamar. However, they capsized near the mouth of the River Tavy. Ten minutes later they were off again with the, now wet, spinnaker bursting at the seams.

A careful and tactical race by Chris and Sue Coomber in a Comet Trio crossed the finish line only seven minutes after the Kirbys in the 505. Sophie Dandy in the Laser Radial and Aaron Kirby and Arthur Argles in Lasers, and Richard Platts and Sam Madar in the Laser 2 Regatta, all showed great determination and skill.

This year’s winners were Chris and Sue Coomber in their Comet Trio, ending a run of wins by Steve Kirby.