AN excellent turnout of both cadet and adult sailors competed in the second annual Tamar Bridge Race for the Tony Newman Memorial Trophy, starting and finishing at Weir Quay on the Bere Peninsula.

Twelve dinghies crossed the start line together and headed downriver with the intention of rounding the Tamar Bridge; however, as the wind lessened and the turn of the tide became imminent, the race had to adopt a shortened course.

Steve Kirby, WQSC dinghy officer, was a clear winner in his Lark dinghy in a time of 34 minutes, with Beth Barnes in second place and Chris and Patsy Miller in third.

The trophy, in memory of club member Tony Newman who sadly died in 2010, was generously donated and presented by his widow Audrey, who also gallantly boarded the support boat to start and finish the race from mid-river.

All entry fees were donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and raised a total of £64. Thanks were expressed to Jake Holmes, officer of the day, for organising the race, and to club members for providing support boat cover.

WQSC offers a warm welcome for sailors of all ages and experience, with a dinghy sailing section has burgeoned in popularity in recent years. Friday evening sail training takes place from April to September for ages 10 upwards, as well as weekend expeditions, and adult learners are also welcome.

Although the Friday evening numbers are reaching capacity, the club will welcome any enquiries and provided there is space, will give any fresh faces a taste of life on the waves. For boat owners, moorings are currently available for boats up to 36ft. The club is unique in the west of Devon and provides and important and valuable community resource for the relatively isolated area of the Bere Peninsula. More information can be found at http://www.weirquaysailingclub.co.uk">www.weirquaysailingclub.co.uk and also on the Weir Quay Sailing Club cadets page on Facebook.