IT was a bath night 300 spectators will not forget as they cheered on 15 waterlogged competitors in an impromptu bathtub race across Watchet’s outer harbour last Saturday.

Competitors in plastic baths paddled around a course between large yellow buoys.

“There was a big bung in the bottom of the baths and the idea was for competitors to jump into each other’s baths and pull the plug out,” said Terry Walker, who adjudicated at the event with his wife Maggie.

“If you couldn’t get the plug back in you were sunk in every sense of the word, and in fact only one managed to stay afloat at the end. All the rest had that sinking feeling.”

Competitors wore lifejackets, and safety boats were manned by Watchet Sea Scouts: “It was all good fun but we take safety seriously,” Terry said.

First prize went to Gary Morgan with Jane Dunn second and Hannah Prendergrast third. Best dressed competitor was Ian Wedlake, and the award for worst behaviour on the water went to Steve Smith dressed as Boris Johnson.

“He broke every rule in the book,” Terry said. “We thought he deserved a prize for that.”