WINDERMERE Motor Boat Racing Club celebrated its 92nd Regatta on Saturday.

The sun shone on more than 200 spectators as they spent the afternoon watching 15 boats take to the water and race along the stretch in front of Broad Leys.

Six races took place with five handicap races and one scratch race where all boats start at the same time.

Drivers came from far and wide with Lancashire Power Boat Club members swelling the numbers and there was even a driver from as far as Kingsbury keen to join in the fun.

The water on Windermere provides many challenges for the drivers who have to contend not only with each other’s washes, but those of the many other boats on the lake and also the unusual swell that can suddenly occur on Windermere.

Thankfully, the wind did not blow too strongly so both Formula 2 catamarans were able to take part.

Chris Loney took off in his catamaran in spectacular style along the back straight in the second race of the day, but thanks to the high standards of health and safety in boats nowadays and the efficient response of the Osprey Rescue Team, he was back on the water in another of his boats for the following race.

This year has seen the arrival of ladies on the racing circuit and they’re not here to watch. Five ladies took part in the racing with Pip Brooks driving the second catamaran and Linsey Fairhurst in an 18-foot Phantom.

WMBRC once again were appreciative of the presence of the lake ranger who was there to oversee the event. Grateful thanks also go to the Osprey Rescue Teams and Trust Medical Service for their assistance on the day and to the Lake District National Park Authority for allowing the continuation of a sport that is part of the heritage of the Lake District.

The next race day will take place on September 30, and the general public are more than welcome to come along to watch another spectacular day’s racing.