NEARLY 50 rafts launched downriver in the 57th annual Monmouth Raft Race, cheered on by hundreds of spectators along the 6.5-mile Wye course to Whitebrook.

Everyone had a splashing good time in the Monmouth Rotary-organised event, with most getting temporarily stuck on the rapid rocks just below the town's old railway bridge and having to wade - including the Titanic, complete with band, from Barry Watchtower Waders swimming group.

The Titanic found itself in trouble.
The Titanic found itself in trouble. (Nick Hartland)

They played on and stayed afloat this time, although the Iceberg raft was just in front, while another crew capsized and had to re right.

The Jammy Dodgers took the biscuit in the Monmouth Raft Race
The Jammy Dodgers took the biscuit in the Monmouth Raft Race (Beacon)

The fleet included pirates, Indians, Minions from Chepstow Rotary, a car, Jammy Dodgers and Wagon Wheels from Cwmbran's Burtons Biscuit factory, a beach party and a giant floating bottle of beer.

Family and friends entry Henson's Heroes from Chepstow and Woodcroft returned for the 15th time - netting the prize once more for most raised for charity in their Blew Beyond fishing trawler, with a £1,900 donation on the day taking them over the £20,000 mark in total.

Henson's Heroes on the river
Trawl or nothing for Henson's Heroes in the Monmouth Raft Race (Nick Hartland)

Neil Henson was on board again with wife Vicky - former Lydney Primrose Hill primary headmistress – having previously made the trip on the likes of assorted Noah's Ark, Mad Hatter's Tea party, HMS Victory, Hogwarts Express, London bus, Willy Wonka and Space Shuttle rafts.

"We love it," he said. "St David's, the race's main charity, looked after my dad for nine months in 2006-7, and we just want to give something back in his memory while having fun.

Life's a beach for this raft
Life's a beach for this raft (Beacon)

"The trawler idea came from D Day and Dunkirk and the little boats, and hopefully we'll make it down in one piece."

This time Rapa Nui Raiders from Christchurch in the Forest won best themed raft, despite only making it 200 yards downriver as their giant Easter Island Statue saw them sink like a stone near Wye Bridge.

An Easter Island crew
The Rapa Nui Raiders won best themed raft, but the Easter Island crew failed to make it to the line (Beacon)

Fastest on the day again were Siltbuster 2000 in 56mins 51secs, with fellow Monmouth entry Wye Warriors taking the all-women prize in second overall in 1.15.03.

Fastest pub/club raft were the Orchard Trust from Lydbrook in 2.19.01.

The Titanic will be hoping to make it as far as Whitebrook
The Titanic crew were hoping to make it as far as Whitebrook (Beacon)

Rotary spokesperson Norman Williams said: "It all went very well. We were very pleased with the number of spectators at the start and at the Family Festival at the finish.

"Fortunately the forecast rain held off until after the presentation of awards, with Henson’s Heroes handing in the incredible sum of £1,900 in sponsorship money.

All aboard for Whitebrrok in the Monmouth Raft Race
All aboard for Whitebrook in the Monmouth Raft Race (Beacon)

"This year the event is raising funds for St David’s Hospice Care, SARA and Rotary."

The Minions are on their way
The Minions are on their way (Beacon)
Car power for this crew
Car power for this crew (Beacon)
And a bottle of beer came too
And a bottle of beer came too (Beacon)
Anyone for tennis... or is that beach volleyball?
Anyone for tennis... or is that beach volleyball? (Beacon)
Wagon Wheels were rolling in the Monmouth Raft Race
Wagon Wheels were rolling in the Monmouth Raft Race (Beacon)
It was a deckchair day for this crew
It was a deckchair day for this crew (Beacon)
The rocks became a sticking point for most crews in the Monmouth Raft Race
The rocks became a sticking point for most crews in the Monmouth Raft Race (Beacon)
Red rubber suits were the order of the day for these rafters
Red rubber suits were the order of the day for these rafters (Beacon)
Waving not drowning for these boaters in the Monmouth Raft Race
Waving not drowning for these boaters in the Monmouth Raft Race (Beacon)
Watch out Titanic, the iceberg's on its way in the Monmouth Raft Race
Watch out Titanic, the iceberg's on its way (Beacon)