WEYMOUTH emerged as the big winners at the third Lyme Regis Gig Club rowing regatta.

Fourteen gig clubs from around the South West went to the Cobb to compete against hosts Lyme in what proved to be tough rowing conditions heading out to Monmouth Beach.

The regatta started with under-14 and 16 teams racing for the HMS Conway Calcutta Cup – and what a start it was for Lyme.

The cup was presented to Lyme under-16 captain Josh Fletcher by mayor Sally Holman, while the under-14s also won their class and received vouchers from Rinky Tinks.

Clubs competing included Catte-water, Weymouth, Portland, Ilfraco-mbe, Teign, Torridge, Swanage, Sidm-outh, Bridport, Langston, Brixham, Clevedon, Bristol, Appledore and Lyme Regis.

The men’s and women’s heats were raced over 1.2km with the fastest eight teams qualifying for the final.

Weymouth A, Ilfracombe A, Catte-water A, Swanage A, Teign A, Lyme A and Ilfracombe B qualified for the showpiece and it was Weymouth who took top honours.

And there was an action replay in the women’s event with Weymouth once again taking the title, seeing off competition from Ilfracombe A, Swanage A, Swanage B, Teign A, Bridport A, Bristol C and Lyme A.

The veterans’ (over-41) races followed with 17 gigs competing and the men’s race was won by Cattewater and the ladies’ by Ilfracombe.

Lyme Regis Gig Club provided refreshments throughout the event and chairman Marcus Dixon said that everyone really enjoyed the day.

He also thanked the Lyme Regis harbourmaster for all his support.