A LONG-ESTABLISHED annual fundraiser for the Shaldon RNLI branch sees the end of an era after 26 years with the retirement this month of its founder and long-time organiser.

John Humphreys, a stalwart windsurfing enthusiast, inaugurated the annual Fun Sail fundraiser in 1983, since when it has generated a total of £17,155 for the RNLI.

'I suggested the idea of a sponsored windsurfing event to the Teignmouth branch of the RNLI in 1983,' said Mr Humphreys.

'It took off quite quickly and we made £477 from the first event.

'Then my wife and I moved from Bishopsteignton to Shaldon in 1985, the Shaldon branch took over responsibility for the Fun Sail.

'Our best year for entries was 1986, when we had 43 windsurfers going round the course.'

As participation in windsurfing has declined over the years, fewer competitors have taken part. But with the increasing popularity of canoeing, since 2006 Mr Humphreys has invited the burgeoning number of canoeists and kayakers to enter the event as well.

He said: 'A terrific result this year. Though we had only three windsurfers, there were around 20 paddlers – and we raised £907, which is one of the best yet.

'Hopefully the growing interest in canoeing will bring the numbers back up.'

He added: 'The launch of Sea Sports in Teignmouth will hopefully reintroduce more sailors – and the participation of the Sea Cadets is a hopeful source of more entrants.'