WEYMOUTH emerged as the big winners at the third Lyme Regis Gig Club rowing regatta with victories in both the men’s and women’s senior races.

Fourteen gig clubs from around the South West came to the Cobb to compete against hosts Lyme in what proved to be tough rowing conditions heading out to Monmouth Beach.

The regatta started with under-14 and 16 teams racing for the HMS Conway Calcutta Cup – and what a start it was for Lyme.

The cup was presented to Lyme under-16 captain Josh Fletcher by mayor Sally Holman while the under-14s also won their class and received vouchers from Rinky Tinks.

Clubs competing included Cattewater, Weymouth, Port-land, Ilfracombe, Teign, Torridge, Swanage, Sidmouth, Bridport, Langston, Brixham, Clevedon, Bristol, Appledore and Lyme Regis.

The men’s and women’s heats were raced over a 1.2km course with the fastest eight teams qualifying for the final.

Weymouth A, Ilfracombe A, Cattewater A, Swanage A, Teign A, Lyme A and Ilfracombe B qualified for the showpiece and it was Weymouth who took top honours.

And there was an action replay in the women’s event with Weymouth seeing off competition from Ilfracombe A, Swanage A, Swanage B, Teign A, Bridport A, Bristol C and Lyme A.

The veterans (over-41) races followed with 17 gigs competing and the men’s race was won by Cattewater and the ladies’ by Ilfracombe.

Lyme Regis Gig Club provided drinks and food throughout the event and chairman Mar-cus Dixon said that everyone really enjoyed the day.

He also thanked the Lyme Regis harbourmaster for his contribution in making the event a success.

The club is grateful for the support of its sponsors; The Harbour Inn, The Talbot Arms, By The Bay, Newlands Holiday Park, Travis Perkins (Bridport), Otter Brewery, Denhay Farm, Cains Farm, Fowlers (Bridport), Rowsell Roofing.