After weeks of worrying about health and safety red tape, organisers Robin Shapland and Ron Dudman reported 'a fantastic day', with no incidents on the water to give anyone any concern.

Members of the volunteer T24 water rescue team, who had offered their assistance, were strategically and reassuringly placed along the four-mile route but their services were not needed.

Proceeds for charity are expected to top last year's record £10,800. Sponsorship for the raft entered by the Rosemary Foundation, one of the beneficiaries, was more than £2,000, and the Kirdford-based team aboard Yabba Dabba Doo raised £1,260.

Plenty of spectators turned out to support the crews of the 66 rafts – some fancifully dressed – from the traditionally boisterous start at Cowdray Ruins to the finish at Lods Bridge, Selham.

The Red Arrows made an unscheduled flypast just before noon and screamed overhead for a second time as the first rafts were about to be sent on their way at 1pm. They were believed to be en route between displays at events including Wings and Wheels at Dunsfold aerodrome.

As always, the race crafts varied from the near-professionally streamlined to the alarmingly makeshift. Mr Shapland said only four broke up on their way down the river but some 'adjustments' had to be made to others on the water before they could get away from the start line.

There was stiff competition in the super-raft class which resulted in frequent winner Les Holdaway and his four-man team being beaten into second place by the audacious Stickley brothers in their two-man craft.

They put up the fastest time of the day, completing the course in 1hr 16mins 31secs.

All profits from the race will be shared between the Petersfield-based Rosemary Foundation which provides a hospice at home service, Macmillan Cancer Support's Midhurst service and the Chestnut Tree children's hospice at Arundel.

The event was sponsored for the 11th successive year by Selham timber merchants WL West and Sons, with Acorn Press donating all the printing work for the 27th year.

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