LAST Sunday proved a perfect day for the annual raft race organised by Totnes Rotary Club.

Known as the River Dart struggle, being 13km in length, it starts at Dart Bridge in Buckfastleigh and flows through both a mixture of white water fast flowing weirs and calm stretches, finishing on Vire Island Totnes.

Out of 28 innovative handmade rafts, 25 completed the course, in fabulous weather and with water levels sufficient for the rafts.

Some of the fun names of the vessels included Gin’ill fix, Usain Boat, The CIA and Raft as a Brush. The fastest time being 2 hours 18 minutes achieved by Usain Boat.

The first boat arriving in Totnes with a time of 2 hours 35 was the Wild Swim Club, which was captained by ‘Captain Tom’ Hunt.

His team of 10 included his brother Ben Hunt, Chris Edwards, Paul Hammond, Sean Keaney, Matt Upston, Tom Bates, Simon Patten and Geoff Shapslak.

Captain Tom told me he saw the raft on Market Place when he was in Malawi. His aim was to be the fastest raft carrying 10 and they achieved this. They all agreed it was great and would do it again.

Being the the Wild Swim Club, they all jumped into the river as soon as they had lifted their raft out.

For Pete’s sake: Claire had just two rafters – Tim Street and Jacqui Dryden – and finished in 2 hours.56

Pete, now 56 years old, first competed when he was only 18 and his companion ‘on board’ Jacqui lives in Reading and works for Thames Water.

She has only rafted once before and said the Totnes race was by far the better one and she was so impressed at the way that it appeared the whole community was out supporting the event and at times she told me their cheering really helped them through parts that were tough.

They were raising funds in memory of two friends, Pete and Claire no longer with them.

Usain Boat, which was captained by Peter Douglas, which had the fastest time was competing for the third time. Peter said he found there wasn’t as much water as the last time but the race was just as enjoyable and he will do it again, as I am sure most will want to.

There was live music and many stalls on Vire Island, one of which was the Totnes WI selling, what I can personally confirm, were the most delicious cakes and savouries.

At the finish Totnes mayor, Cllr Ben Piper, and his consort Cllr Sarah Skinner presented the participants with their medals.

Totnes Rotary would like to thank all the participants, Michael Chequer from Radio Devon and all the helpers and supporters especially Morrison’s who supported both this raft race and the classic car rally.