The downpours failed to put off the crowds at the R.N.L.I's annual sailing event on Friday the 7th of June, which attracted 150 people.

The event consists of the local sailing community offering their boats - with the owners acting as Skipper - to local businesses and individuals who then make a donation to the RNLI for their days sailing in the Bristol Channel.

Although, the event is not a race, a trophy is presented to the team that the organisers feel best deserves the honours on the day.

Due to the difficult sailing conditions, a synchronised start was not possible, many of the skippers taking their guests out for a relatively short, but 'invigorating' sail in the channel. Many returned with tales of mountainous waves and near horizontal rain.

A spokesperson for Penarth RNLI said: 'Particular thanks must go to our headline sponsors the Moondance Foundation and Fordthorne Cardiff. We had close to 160 people taking part and the donations, raffle and auction raised over £21,000 again this year. We'll soon be planning a 2020 event - but sadly we cannot always guarantee the weather.'

Photo: The winners and their trophy with Penarth RNLI crew courtesy of the RNLI