SCORES of competitors had to be rescued as tough conditions got the better of them in Sunday's annual Minehead raft race. Barely half the rafts managed to complete the course from Blue Anchor to Minehead Harbour unaided. And even the winning raft took 73 minutes - compared to the course record time of 34 minutes. Despite glorious sunshine, a heavy swell, lumpy sea and strong wind took their toll on the racers, and lifeboats and local fishing boats were kept busy ferrying them to the safety of the harbour. Pictured above is the Barry Dock lifeboat, packed with 47 rafters it picked up from Blue Anchor Bay. Among the victims was the entry from the Royal Huntsman pub in Williton. Getting nowhere and sinking slowly, the six crew members and their raft were taken in tow by Minehead fishing boat the MFV Fulmar. Pictured are four of the crew - Dave Tarr, Matt Tickner, Huw Mizen and Ian Hall - with all that remained of their raft after it broke up and they had to scramble on board the Fulmar with fellow crew members Dave McNally and Bryn Taylor. Race report, results and pictures inside this week's Free Press.