IT will be all change for this year's major RNLI fundraiser, the annual Blue Anchor to Minehead Raft Race. For the first time in its history there will be two separate races - one for the serious rowers and another for the fancy dress fun entries. Organisers said they were keen to ensure both competitors and onlookers had the best possible time and were aware many of the fancy dress crews had failed to complete the course in recent years. This culminated in last year's mass rescue of both serious and fun competitors when lumpy seas and strong winds forced many rowers to abandon the race - and in many cases their rafts. At one point the Barry Dock lifeboat had 47 rafters on board, all picked up from the sea around Blue Anchor Bay. This year life will be a little easier for the not-so- serious competitors with their very own race route from Minehead beach, alongside the town's golf club, into the harbour. The main race route will remain unchanged and will take rafters from Blue Anchor Beach to Minehead Harbour, concurrently with the fancy dress entrants. Raft race committee chairman Derek Williams said: "In previous years, due to the sea and weather conditions on the day, some of the fancy dress rafters have not been able to row their way out of the bay, depriving thousands of spectators of the sight of them making their way to the harbour. "We also realise the hard work that many of the rafters have put in in the run-up to the day and it is disheartening for them not to even make it off Blue Anchor beach. "This year's fun race will be held solely for those who just want to take part for the fun of it." Sea and wind conditions were so bad last year that even the serious rowers found themselves up against it with the winning raft taking 73 minutes to cross the finishing line compared to the course record time of 34 minutes. Committee member Barry Cockrem said: "Last year's event proved harder than in previous years because of the sea conditions and the lifeboat crews had their work cut out." He said local skippers had proved to be the real unsung heroes of the race, providing invaluable back-up and support. In particular, he praised the efforts of Dave Roberts from AlyKat, Steve Webber from Osprey 1, Steve Yeandle from Scooby Doo 2, Steve Pilbrow from Fulmar, Alan Kurl from Ark Supreme, Marcus and David James from Edwin John/Mary Ellen and Albert Hartgen from Chalet Maid. "Without doubt these skippers were the unsung heroes of the day and they continue to support us year after year," he said. The 2007 raft race will have more of a family focus than in previous years and will feature bands, a much anticipated grand firework display and even a record breaking cross-channel speedboat attempt. Formula One RIB champion and West Somerset Community College student Josh Brown, aged 18, from Simonsbath, will attempt to race his own V24 craft from Minehead harbour to Barry Dock and back again, setting a record time for future competitors to beat. Committee member Mark Perry said everyone was working hard to ensure the race day went without hitch and were thankful for the support of West Somerset Council, Minehead Town Council and the emergency services. He said: "In the past we seem to have been bogged down with red tape and restrictions so we have approached the relevant authorities to guide us through the maze of bureaucracy. "Stacey Beaumont from the council has been kind enough to arrange a meeting in the council chambers and hopefully we can get help this year with the necessary legalities and arrangements. "This event without doubt is the biggest spectacle in Minehead and is one of the biggest events of its kind in the country. "It brings tourists to the area, as well as giving the local community a fun day out, and we would ask everyone to give it their full support." The raft raises raises thousands of pounds for the RNLI every year through donations and sponsorship from both individuals and businesses. Committee member Jed Bonar said Butlins gave a "substantial donation" last year and the camp's famous Red Coats offered their services to collect money on the day. He said: "They also opened their doors to the local lifeboat crew, enabling them to raise funds from their customers by doing a sponsored sponge throw. "But we must not forget the local people and businesses that continue to support the day year after year - without this support we would be unable to make it such a success."