Brixham Trawler event returns in style after five-year break

Images: Miracle PR, Chris Slack Photography and Abi Heal

The revamped Port of Brixham Trawler event has been hailed a success after returning with a twist after a five-year break. 

There were 24 independently owned trawlers taking part in the event with some fishing boats from neighbouring ports. To fit in with safety regulations, what was previously the  trawler race became a time trial, with the overall winner the one who gets nearest to their stated handicapped timing, and numbers on boats were restricted. 

This didn’t stop the 24 fishing vessels from taking to the seas from Brixham around the Bay on Saturday as part of a special celebration weekend to raise money for the Fishermen's Mission.

The organising committee thanked Brixham Trawler Agents and Torbay Council for allowing the use of the Quay, Brixham Yacht Club for safety boats and the handicap monitors. Many fishermen, marine tradespeople and members of the local community also donated time, machinery, boats and knowledge to enable the organising committee to run this event safely. 

Local businesses  also supported the event, backing the fundraising events with raffle prizes and raising some money for the event itself.

The organising committee said: “A massive thank-you to all these people and to the MCA for their time and effort to help us with this event. We must show our appreciation to our friends who travelled from the Netherlands by varying methods of transport, bringing the Maaskant Bell for the overall winner together with our own Adam Dingley for designing and making a brand new award.

“It was an emotional day watching our hard working fishermen have a day off to enjoy with their family and friends whilst steaming around Tor Bay raising much needed funds for the Fishermen's Mission. We look forward to repeating the event in 2026.”

Results

Beamers/scallopers: 1. John Lovell Memorial Trophy - Mollie Jayne (Neil Pearce); 2. Prince of Wales Cup - Emily Rose; 3. Cummins trophy - Danielle

Day Boats: 1. Colonels Cup - Ocean Spirit; 2. Cunningham Cup - Harvest Reaper; 3. Castrol Plate - Two Brothers

Crabbers: 1. Paul Goddard Memorial Trophy - Hannah Beth; 2. BM Trawler Event 9race) Trophy - Jazzy B; 3. Glass Decanter - Jack G

Best Dressed Beamer/Scalloper - Harp Lager - Emily Rose 

Best Dressed Day Boat - Baudouin Trophy - Sophie Jane

Youngest Skipper - Jordan Sturtridge

Best Engine Room - Danielle 

Best Finish  - Arendjan