Weymouth's Trawler Race was a race like no other.
Trawler Race Day in the town was a boat race, but certainly a race with a difference.
The May bank holiday event involved trawlers, a lot of water - and of course - alcohol!
These pictures show the trawler race in its latter years and in its earlier days. See if there’s anyone you recognise!
This youngster is ready to give people a soaking with the hose!
The colourful Weymouth Harbour extravaganza began in 1977.
Local trawlers would be dressed up in any way possible with various groups and plenty of pubs getting involved.
Spot the Jaws-dropping inflatable shark!
There’d be inflatables and balloons festooning the vessels involved, and of course the requisite water cannons to make sure that everyone got a good drenching!
The race would be thirsty work and harbour pubs did a roaring trade
There would be numerous stalls along the harbour where the crowds would gather for a glimpse of the trawler boats.
Trawler boats decked out in their finery for race day
Trawler Race Day is referred to by some as ‘the working class version’ of today’s seafood festival!
The Wellington Arms pub team busy on board
Dishing out a soaking at Trawler Race 2006
Vikings from the Duke of Cornwall pub in 2006
Fancy dress at Trawler Race 2006
Waterproof clothing was much needed in the 2006 race!
Ready at the hose for Trawler Race Day 2007
Members of our Facebook nostalgia group We Grew Up in Weymouth and Portland have fond memories of Trawler Race Day.
Shaun Dormer remembers: “My uncle had a crabber in Weymouth, I can remember going out on the boat and taking part - happy days.”
Loraine Richards describes it as ‘the best day of the year’.
Ree Tipton remembers: “I used to go out on one of the Guernsey boats! We all drank together in the Kings Arms and onto Cellarvino and the restaurant attached to it till the early hours!! Memories...”.
Sadly, by 2009 the trawler race was no more because of problems with funding.
Thanks to Sue Hogben for sharing these black and white photos of Trawler Race Day.
If you would like to share these memories and more, find and join our nostalgia Facebook group here
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