Maryport Trawler Race 2021

UPDATE : This year’s trawler race will not be held due to COVID-19 safety implications.

The annual Maryport Trawler Race is planned for July 2021 but COVID-19 restrictions may affect whether the race is run this year. I thought it might be a good idea to use this blog post to raise awareness of the event and to support the organisers by posting some of my favourite images from previous years.

Sincerity during 2009 Maryport Trawler Race

The race brings trawlers from Cumbria and the Isle of Man to the Solway Firth town of Maryport. The trawlers have an estimated time to complete a set course along the coast, with the winner being the boat to complete the course in the closest time to its estimated time. This ensures a fair race for all boats rather than just relying on top speed alone.

In addition to the race prize, there are also prizes awarded for the best dressed boat and best dressed crew. Previous winners have included air hostesses, superheroes, leprechauns and surgeons.

Stjernan disappears into a cloud of sea spray

The race always attracts a large crowd and there are Harbourside attractions and other events to keep the spectators occupied for the whole day.

Funds raised are split between Maryport Rescue independent inshore lifeboat station and other local charities.

I first became aware of the event in 2008, when I was working in the same company as the race organiser. I had been asked to take some photographs for my employer who had arranged for support and sea survival training for the lifeboat crew. This led to me being asked to take on the role of photographer for the event, a challenge that I was thrilled to accept as it allowed me to join the race aboard a mixture of vessels. Photography of the race from aboard the boats provided a fantastic opportunity to get close up to the action, but shooting from a vibrating, rocking and fast moving boat in choppy seas can be difficult. Mixing expensive cameras, lenses and salt water is not the best idea.

I provided photographs of the race from 2008 until 2015. Some of the photos taken over the 7 year period are shown here.

The weather takes a turn for the worse as a thunderstorm brings an early end to the race

Fisheries Protection Vessel Solway Protector joins in the race

I have collection of further images here