World Tin Bath champions crowned on Isle of Man

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woman in tin bathImage source, Tin Bath Championships
Image caption,

The World Tin Bath Championships began in 1971

More than 100 hardy souls armed with decorated bathtubs and paddles tried to stay afloat to cross the finish line at the World Tin Bath Championships.

Competitors from the British Isles, Europe and the rest of the world gathered on the Isle of Man in a bid to paddle themselves to glory.

The winner was either the first to cross the finish line or covered the furthest distance before sinking.

Nick Thornley won the men's race and Erika Cowen took the women's title.

Image source, WTBC
Image caption,

Erika Cowen took the women's title

Organisers of the annual event, which began in 1971, said participants must be able to swim "at least 50 yards".

In 2014, the event featured in the Daily Telegraph's top 10 weirdest festivals, external alongside Bognor's International Birdman Festival and Finland's Wife Carrying World Championships.

Organiser David Collister, who has competed every year since it began, said spectators "like to see people sink".

The event has raised more than £200,000 for charity.

Image source, WTBC

Tin Bath rules

  • Shall be wholly of metal construction

  • Shall not exceed 5ft (154cm) in length

  • Shall not exceed 16 inches (41cm) in height at any point

  • Shall be single hulled

  • Shall have no alteration or addition to the shape of the hull

  • Pyrotechnics must not be used

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