Fine weather and freshening wind made for an excellent day’s racing, at the Loe Beach Regatta.

Large working boats again made the annual event the usual magnificent spectacle.

John Andrews’ Demelza, came first beating Winnie. This fine old Feock boat was formerly sailed by the Merrifield brothers, who kept her in Pill Creek. Third in the field was the Helen Mary.

Another Feock triumph saw Lottie win the small working boats race. Sailed by Paul Ferris and Paul Williams, she has long found a haven in Pill Creek. Second in that class was Leila (Adam Bird), whilst Deliverance came third and Muriel fourth.

In the Class “yachts PY1060 and below”, Hawk (C Bell) had the speed that her name implies, with Atlanta (Stuart Higgins) second, and Moonshine (Kevin Maclean) third.

Class “Yachts PY1067 and above” saw Khamsin (Alan Street) ahead of GNHelix (Christopher Hoare) followed by Wild Child (Neil Chamberlain).

Sunbeams as ever made a grand sight, but the entry was down: this year. Phantasy (David Townrow from Devoran), took the cup ahead of Pixy (Lyulph Hesling) In the Class “Dinghies PY1299 and below” Purple Murtle (Dan Teubert) finished first ahead of Mylor Bahia (Mylor Sailing School).

In the Gaffer class, Feock skipper Phil Dyke’s Charlotte took the honours for his home village ahead of Tom Tit and of Ruby.

In the Shrimpers, Vagabond (Simon Sugrue) again came first, Nellie (Mark and Helen Strett) was second and Boyers Shrimper (Mark Osborn) third. The Alan Perkins cup thus stays in the same hands for another year where it will be well looked after before being raced for again.

Nick Barwell said of his first Regatta as chairman: “Everything seemed to go well despite racing conditions being so tough over on the St Just shore where the incoming tide met the strong wind, but this could not be appreciated by the many watchers at Feock from its sheltered Loe Beach.

“There were some splendid races but I am not surprised that many were put off from entering because of the tough conditions. It was a great first Regatta of the season, though.”