IN almost perfect sailing conditions, 21 helm and crew in 12 boats competed in the annual charity Tamar Bridge race for the Tony Newman Trophy.

The average time was just over one and a half hours and with only four minutes on corrected time separating the first five boats, it was a close run event.

The force 2-3 breeze from the South West set the fleet off, close hauled to the mouth of the River Tavy where a few succumbed to the mud and others tacked furiously to gain the upper hand before rounding the bridge and the return downwind leg, going upstream to Weir Quay. The proud winner was Steve Kirby, Weir Quay Sailing Club’s cadet co-ordinator, who retains the trophy.

Weir Quay organisers thanked James and Julie Platts together with Steve Kirby’s brother-in-law, Steve Payne, Dr Royston Selman, Patsy Bennett and Angie Donoghue. A total of £105 was raised for the RNLI.

Helm results (top six): 1, Steve Kirby; 2, Chris Coomber; 3, Sophie Dandy; 4, Arthur Argyles; 5, Allan Seward; 6 Graham Reed.