World Tin Bath Championships 'glorious' - organisers

David Kelly's tub was named as the 'best dressed bath'

The 53rd annual World Tin Bath Championships held in the south of the Isle of Man went "swimmingly", organisers say.

More than 120 entrants took part in the male, female, veteran classes and the snake races on Saturday in Castletown Harbour.

Boris Kitching from the Castletown Ale Drinkers Society (Cads) said the "glorious weather" made for a "fantastic day" with more than 2,000 spectators.

The 2023 female champion Abigail Quinn retained her title and Steve Watt was victorious in the men's race.

More than 20 teams took part in the snake races

Entrants in solo competitions paddled the 350-yard (400m) course in tubs with a wide range of decorations.

The winner is either the first to cross the finish line or the one who covers the furthest distance before sinking.

Dozens of entrants also took part in the snake race challenge, which sees teams of six work together to navigate the course.

Abigail Quinn (centre) was triumphant again in the female category

The event, which was originally scheduled for May but moved due to a clash with a car rally, was held during one of the warmest spells of the summer on the island.

People from the UK, US and Isle of Man faced-off, with some competitors flying in and out in on the day to take part in the challenge.

Mr Kitching said: "We were full of snakes, so we knew we were going to be full of supporters."

"Everyone told us how much fun they'd had and even new entrants that sank said they would be back next year," he added.

The event sees competitors take to the water in decorated tin baths

Cads confirmed almost £7000 was raised at the championships, around half of which was set to be donated to mental health charity Isle Listen which is based in the town and provides support for residents across the island.

The donations will also go towards supporting Manx young sportsmen and women, groups and individuals.

The spectacle was first held in Castletown Harbour in 1971