Twenty-one Falmouth Working Boats took part in their 12th World Championships, hosted by St Mawes Sailing Club, at the weekend.

Five races were held in glorious sailing conditions with Richard Carter’s Nellie May (ex-Irene) winning B Class for the first time, while in C Class Adam Bird won his sixth championship in Leila.

Nellie May set out her stall early by winning the first race, both over the line and on handicap, followed by Sam Heard – whose family firm built almost half the boats taking part – in Abigail Rose and then Dave Cockwell’s Mildred.

Race two was won by John Peters in Rita followed by Helena White in Grace who was involved in her second consecutive “photo finish”, this time crossing the line just one second ahead of Nellie May to take second place.

In Saturday morning’s race, Nellie May won line honours once again, although this time Mildred beat her into second place on corrected time with Abigail Rose third.

But Abigail Rose won the afternoon race and became overnight overall leader just a point ahead of Nellie May and with four other boats within six points.

The competitors were clearly a bit too eager to get going in the final race, forcing Race Officer John Maunder to signal a General Recall, but a particularly close race unfolded when they got under way properly.

Victory won the race and with it the Ron Medlyn Trophy, presented in memory of the man who had done so much for the class over many years.

The Roseland Working Boat Syndicate’s Evelyn was second with six other boats within barely a minute of her, one of which was Nellie May which had done enough to secure the championship.

Overall results: B Class: 1, Nellie May (11 pts); 2, Mildred (14 pts); 3, Evelyn (14 pts). C Class: 1, Leila 3pts; 2 Lottie (5 pts).