Thousands flock to Raft Race

13 July 2010

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Portishead's Lake Grounds for the annual raft race on Sunday.

Crowds gathered to watch enthusiasts take to the water in their homemade crafts in some of the fastest races the event has ever seen.

Opened by BBC weather girl Jemma Cooper, the event attracted 31 entries and brought the community together in an action-packed day.

It was fun and laughter for sailors and spectators alike as vessels stormed ahead, while others limped past the finishing post.

For the first time in the event's history one vessel caused controversy and became subject to scrutiny.

Objections were raised after Portishead business Sunray Solar got off to a blistering start in the first heat, with a raft sporting solar-powered lights and propellers.

The team were forced to remove their raft from the water for an underside inspection.

Sunray Solar co-owner Ashley Wright said: "We were happy to show the underside of the raft after so many fellow rafters complained."

The team removed some accessories before going on to be named runners up.

Portishead Scouts Denny Troop took 1st place in the junior race, with St Mary's Players and the A-Team taking top spot in the main race overall.

There were also a record number of entrants in the children's edible boat race, which took place on the shallow lake.