Dawn on the penultimate day of the 20th century brought grey skies, rain and initial depression to members of the River Lerryn Yacht Squadron (RLYS), organising their 12th annual British Seagull outboard motor race on 30 December l999.

To their amazement 45 boats eventually turned up to take part in the event, which started at the early hour of l0.15am. Fortunately winds were light.

Winners of the many categories were: lst race - David Vipond for the RNLI trophy; 2nd race - Dave Lunnen for the broken spring trophy; lst overall - Paul King and Malcolm Smith for the Ship Inn, Lerryn trophy and their magnum; 2nd overall - Brian Philp; 3rd overall - John Miners; team prize - Team Philps; Commodore's prize - Richard Ivy for the Millennium bug; 18th mystery place - Alan Edgar; Fast lady price - Linda Brice, Tankard trophy; consolation prize - Robin Leonard; youngest competitor - Amber Metcalf (3 years 3 months).

The RNLI raffle raised £98.60 for the Lostwithiel branch, the first prize being a litre bottle of Famous Grouse donated by the Midas Group, builders of Lerryn's new village hall which is having the roof completed.

David Juliffe, formerly of Looe, but currently of Bermuda, took part. He has competed in their Seagull race, which is 40 miles around the island, and he presented a display of pictures to show how they do it over there. Also six of their race tee shirts were given to RLYS members. The oldest competitor was Ronald Elliott, aged 80 who competed in a well bedecked catamaran, although winds were not strong enough to see him on the trapeze.

Bill Needs, RLYS commodore said the narrow reaches of Lerryn creek seemed even narrower when two gig '4s' decided to visit from Golant, rowing in the middle of the race. Their 25' beam (including oars) made them unmissable, but they co-operated well to avoid disasters. This year three of the six safety boats were equipped with radios to permit close liaison. The interval between races one and two was taken up in part by mulled wine and hot mince pies served from the Drill Hall by Rita Worswick and helpers.

Despite the wet, cold weather the event was declared a tremendous success, as was evident by the size of the crowd in the Ship Inn for prize-giving.

The RLYS has no funds or assets, or a prime objective of raising money. However, besides the RNLI donation surplus monies from the event will be divided between the Lerryn new village hall and the Lerryn area minibus association. They will receive £68.25 each.

The race received support from other sponsors, including the Russell and Lugger Inns at Polruan; Langmaids Butchers at Lostwithiel; the Royal Fowey yacht club; Alan's outboard clinic at Par; the Old Ferry Inn at Bodinnick; the Royal Oak at Lostwithiel; Duchy Motors at Lostwithiel; The Galleon at Fowey; RLYS quiz team; Restormel Lodge Hotel at Lostwithiel; Sam's of Fowey; Lostwithiel garden machinery; Penhaligan's of Lostwithiel, the Royal British Legion at Fowey; Lerryn village shop; Trevor Hawes plumbing of Lerryn, the Lugger Inn at Fowey, John Crabb of Cardinham and Gwen Shilabeer of Lerryn.