VIDEO: Dramatic start to Selsey lifeboat raft race

Selsey Lifeboat Week drew to a close with a packed-out beach as the hot weather drew hundreds of people out to join in the fun.

“I’ve had people ringing up and stopping me in the street saying how much they enjoyed the whole day,” said chairman of RNLI Selsey branch, Colvin Rae.

“Both Friday and Sunday we were blessed with beautiful weather and that helped the crowds.

“I think everyone there had a fantastic time.”

Friday night saw people turn out for the popular tug o’war, dog show and fireworks display.

The Lifeboat Inn team was crowned champions at the tug o’war, seeing off all competitors and there was also a children’s competition.

As darkness fell, Selsey fireworks firm Selstar lit up the sky with a memorable display.

The beach was crowded with spectators on Sunday

It was especially poignant as it marked the last display from the slipway, with a construction on a new lifeboat station due to start in the coming year.

On Sunday, crowds were already camping out on the beach at 8am to get a good spot for the raft racing, flyovers and lifeboat display.

The raft race had 19 competitors enter this year – a coincidence as it matched the 19 years the event has been running.

There was an added bonus for lifeboat fundraisers when the winning teams chose to donate back their prize money to the RNLI, a gesture matched by the event’s sponsor Highhouse Insurance Services. With prize money standing at £235, this gave the Selsey Lifeboat an extra £470 income.

This year’s event was contributing towards the ongoing fundraising for a new Shannon lifeboat.

“The support is excellent  and I would like to thank all our supporters and sponsors and everyone who attended,”  said Colvin.

He said this was the last year Sunday’s launch display would feature a slipway-launched lifeboat and work would soon get under way planning the lifeboat week for 2016.

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