A FANTASTIC and fun weekend was had at the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth IRC Regatta.

The activities began on the Friday night prior to racing, with three fancy dress Tender races across Weymouth Harbour.

The canons were fired to signal the first across the finish line and the event attracted many spectators.

Prizes were awarded to the winners and those in the best fancy dress in the Weymouth Sailing Club (WSC) clubhouse by a special guest.

A barbecue also took place.

On the water on Saturday, a variety of courses were set giving excellent close competition.

There were more than 40 boats across the four fleets with a number of visiting boats entering the event.

Despite the challenging and windy conditions, race officer Iain Jones and his team ran a fantastic weekend of racing.

Torrential rain on Saturday evening dampened the enthusiasm for outside games however the hog roast and beer tokens issued in the skipper’s packs and day prizes of wine made the clubroom at WSC very popular.

The final prize giving was held at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club with a number of local boats receiving awards.

The winner of the regatta and of the IRC 2 class was the very quick J90, skippered by Richard Woof. Woof and his team were presented with the historic Churchill Trophy by the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Richard Kosior.

Second place in the IRC Two class was taken by Tim Gallego from Castle Cove Sailing Club on Surprise whilst Gary Owens from WSC scooped third position.

The IRC trophy went to Moonshadow Two, skippered by Mike Street, who also won the IRC Four class.

In the IRC Three class, first place went to the visiting X346 Haven KJ Enigma, ahead of Windjammer from the Royal Southampton Yacht Club in second place.

Nick Massey and his team on board Tumbarumba completed the top three.

The Squib fleet was won by WSC members, Mike and Penny Fenwick who beat Ian Keely from Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club.

Pete Lloyd and Tim Bowden were the third placed Squib.

A special trophy was awarded for the best placed visiting yacht which was won by Enigma.

Many competitors praised the race officer and welcoming atmosphere at all the social events.

It was also confirmed that the new later date for the Regatta was popular. Next year’s event will be held on September 2-3. Full results and more photographs can be viewed on the YCW website, weymouthregatta.co.uk