Crews from Burnham and Weston took part in the annual Weston Bay Plate team race in the Bristol Channel.

A crew from Burnham won the Weston Bay Plate team race, which has been run annually for many years along the Bristol Channel.

Each club is invited to enter up to four boats. Last year, Barry Yacht Club won the Plate, but decided not to take on the hosting of this year’s race.

The Burnham-on-Sea Motorboat and Sailing Club stepped up and offered to hold the race. Two teams entered – Burnham and Weston Bay Yacht Club entered four boats each.

The conditions were extremely challenging, with a strong wind, which continued to build throughout the event. The combination of 30+ knot winds and the tidal conditions conspired to put several boats onto the sand bank, and several sails suffered damage.

In the end, Les Willis of WBYC managed fourth place; the only finisher for WBYC. Jeff Adams retired ‘hurt’ after putting himself in the way of a bit of rigging flying at high speed, Pat Jenson retired with some sail damage, while Rob Strawbridge retired after it became obvious he would not make it back against the tide to the club’s pontoon.

The Burnham club put on an excellent event with the enthusiastic and kind support of Rod Southwell, topped off with fish and chips after the race.

There is a video on more photos on www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2016/sailing-ripped-sails-25-09-16.php