Falmouth’s working boats provided a thrilling spectacle at the weekend as they dealt with the vagaries of the weather and a number of maritime obstacles to complete the 2013 race, held as part of the Oyster Festival.

Victory went to the appropriately named Victory, skippered by David Carne, with John Peters’s Rita finishing second and Martin Page steering Arthur Williams’s Winnie claiming third place. Victory was not only the smallest boat in the contest, she was also, at 130 years, probably the oldest of the wooden vessels taking part.

“We had to avoid a gig race, the Torpoint ferry and a floating crane,” said Mr Carne, “but all credit to all of the competitors – the whole fleet handled themselves and the conditions with great credit.”

About 200 spectators watched as the working boats navigated their way three times around the harbour.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: