SWANAGE Sea Rowing Club celebrated its new £350,000 boathouse by hosting the largest regatta in its history.

Following the hotly-contested event, which attracted eight clubs from across the South West, the home club clenched the title as overall champions.

The colourful traditional wooden boats, each with a crew of six rowers and a cox, raced around a measured course over a mile and a half in the bay.

Barnaby Quaddy, of Swanage Sea Rowing Club, said the fight for the title came down to the very last race.

He said: “As the races went on it became a contest between Bristol, Weymouth and Swanage clubs with men’s and women’s A, B and C crews all trying to get their club ahead.

“With the three clubs all at the top of the table it came down to the last race of the day, and Swanage men’s A crew powering ahead at the final turn to leave Bristol and Weymouth in their wake to win the race and the Regatta.”

Mr Quaddy added: “Everyone had a fantastic day both on and off the water, and the club hosted a pig roast and live music to celebrate the first regatta from the new boathouse.”