Rowers battled a stiff breeze as they headed up the River Teign to compete in a historic rowing race on Saturday evening (July 26).

The Barham Cup began in 1924 when the crew of HMS Barham, which was visiting Teignmouth, challenged local fishermen to a race. Now organised by Teignmouth Regatta, supported by Teignmouth and Newton Abbot town councils, the event is an opportunity to celebrate the towns at either end of the Teign estuary.

Overall winners and victors of the men’s pairs were: Patrick Forster, Simon Putt, Paul Carpenter and James Stoyle.

The women’s singles was awarded for the first time since 2007 to Renee Patey, Ruth Mangham.

Tony Little on the Newton Abbot team rowed both legs of the race to ensure his team completed the course.

Award winners were: Men’s singles - Terry Hudson and Michael Hudson

Mixed singles - Rachel Palmer and Andy Burfitt

Ladies’ pairs - Becca Haines, Lucy Brought, Georgie Lax, Clare Miller

Mixed pairs - Sarah Luxton, Clive Luxton, Kit Banks, Ben Banks

Under 16s - Joe Stoyle, William Pearce, Kieran Daubney and Emilia Upton

Over 50s - Richard Shelston, Marcus Stapley

Pub crew - Louis Atkins, Isaac Starkey, Jay Ludlow, Wilf Morris

Newton Abbot crew - Tony Little, Nicola Yabsley, Phil Rowe

Battling the breeze in the Barham Cup ladies pairs competition
Battling the breeze in the Barham Cup ladies pairs competition (Jo Bowery / MDA)
Arriving at the Barham Cup finish line at Newton Abbot Quay
Arriving at the Barham Cup finish line at Newton Abbot Quay (Jo Bowery / MDA)
Crowds were gathered at Newton Abbot Quay to cheer the rowers across the fishing line. Photo: Nigel Canham
Crowds were gathered at Newton Abbot Quay to cheer the rowers across the fishing line. Photo: Nigel Canham (Nigel Canham)
Newton Abbot Town Council facilities maintenance officer Tony Little and the aptly named clerk Phil Rowe representing Newton Abbot in the Barham Cup
Newton Abbot Town Council facilities maintenance officer Tony Little and the aptly named clerk Phil Rowe representing Newton Abbot in the Barham Cup (Photo: Nigel Canham) (Nigel Canham)
Barham Cup Mixed Singles winners Rachel Palmer and Andy Parfitt receive their award from Teignmouth mayor councillor Cate Williams and Newton Abbot mayor councillor Colin Parker
Barham Cup Mixed Singles winners Rachel Palmer and Andy Parfitt receive their award from Teignmouth mayor councillor Cate Williams and Newton Abbot mayor councillor Colin Parker (Jo Bowery / MDA)