THE SUN shone as powerboat racers took to some choppy West Bay seas over the bank holiday weekend.

The annual Offshore Circuit Racing Drivers Association (OCRDA) Powerboat Race took place on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30.

With many people out and about throughout the weekend, soaking up the bank holiday sun, the race had a large number of onlookers - although the event's organisers say that everyone in attendance behaved responsibly.

The event was one of the first major events to take place in Bridport this year following months in lockdown, with some restrictions still in place.

Steve Oaten, one of the organisers of the event, said: "We’re overjoyed with how the weekend went and we thoroughly enjoyed it all and want to say thanks to the people of West Bay for accommodating us.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The OCDRA Powerboat Race went ahead in West Bay this weekend Picture: Anthony Hadaway The OCDRA Powerboat Race went ahead in West Bay this weekend Picture: Anthony Hadaway

"There was a lot of people coming and going so there was a fair few people watching, but everyone seemed to be behaving responsibly. The feedback was great, people really appreciated something was happening and getting back to normal.

"The weather was incredible, it all came together at the perfect time really. It was a really nice couple of days, our members and the public were really happy with how the event went.

"There were no complaints at all, the biggest criticism was that we were only running races over two days instead of three."

In addition to the four races, the crowds were entertained to a display from Ryan Campbell on his flyboard, and some jet ski racing.

Saturday saw a flat sea and many competitive races, whilst Sunday proved to be a little more challenging for the participants with choppy waves throwing the boats up to a metre out of the water.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Boats were lifted into the air as a result of the choppy conditions on Sunday Picture: Anthony Hadaway Boats were lifted into the air as a result of the choppy conditions on Sunday Picture: Anthony Hadaway

Mr Oaten said: "Sunday's conditions were pretty terrible for racing to be honest. The sea from the shore was deceiving and a number of competitors received minor injuries as a result of being in that kind of sea.

"Fortunately they all left with a smile on their faces and bruises on their body."

He added: "We’re very grateful for the harbourmaster, the council and the people of West Bay for supporting us. Overall it was a fantastic two days of racing and people really seemed to enjoy themselves."