WEYMOUTH Sailing Club (WSC) held their annual dinner dance and prize-giving at the Crown Hotel where many members attended and some collected their awards.

Special guests were also present, including Weymouth & Portland Mayor Kate Wheller, Mr and Mrs Richard Bowers as commodore of Castle Cove Sailing Club and a representative from the RNLI.

Results of last year’s sailing achievements were recognised and volunteers thanked for their hard work.

Among those presented with trophies were successful racing members Mark and Rima Bugler of Saskia VII who collected a variety of silverware for their efforts last season.

These included the Frostbite Trophy, Crumbleholme Plaque, Yacht Clubs of Weymouth Spring Series and the Crumbleholme Cup.

One major award, the Whittaker Trophy was awarded to Rosie Wilkinson for her determination to finish the race after she dislocated a number of fingers.

Another inspirational winner was veteran sailor Ernie Lee who sails a Squib. Lee was presented with the Hownam-Meek Cup.

He is much respected and liked by all sections of the club and received a standing ovation when collecting his trophy.

Adrian Pattison was awarded the Vincent Shield for his great efforts in running open events smoothly as well as his many dedicated hours of race officer and safety boat duties despite some significant health problems.

The evening concluded with a raffle in aid of the Weymouth Lifeboat, raising more than £170. The prize, which was donated by Henri Lloyd, in Weymouth was a Rio crew jacket and the winner was Kate Wheller.

The new season is fast approaching for WSC with the Spring Open Series starting on March 29.