NEARLY 100 rowers braved the elements to raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI.
For the 35th year, people from Maldon and surrounding areas supported the Maldon Little Ship Club sponsored row up the River Blackwater on Saturday.
The 98 competitors in 35 boats, complete with fancy dress, ranged from the large rowing boats of the Pioneer Trust and the Lower Thames Rowing Club through to single handed dinghies and kayaks, while the likes of Simon James defied the elements by managing to paddle a surfboard standing up around the course.
Organiser John Rogers, 69, said: "I'll be 70 in a couple of weeks and this was my 33rd time. I'm lucky enough to still be able to do it."
The row raised more than £8,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which has strong affiliations in Maldon.
"I cannot praise more the stoicism of the crews who battled with the elements and created a great atmosphere of both competition and camaraderie," said Mr Rogers. "I was so worried it might not go ahead. The wind was howling all through the night."
A number of safety boats patrolled the shortened course.
"Despite the challenging conditions, this proved to be a good call for we had one of the best events ever," said Mr Rogers.
He added: "I would like to thank all my helpers at the Maldon Little Ship Club and the skippers of the safety boats.
"It is a huge responsibility having over 100 people out on the water in such inclement conditions, but it is down to the enthusiasm and determination of all the individuals who take part which makes an event so successful."
