Hundreds turn out for Weymouth Christmas Day Harbour Swim

Plenty of spectators flooded either side of the harbour on Christmas morning to catch a peek of the action and enjoy the joyful atmosphere.

Races started at 11am, and more than 400 participants braved the plunge from the harbourside on Trinity Road and swimming to the opposite side of the water near the Harbour Master’s office on Custom House Quay.

Swimmers were split into eight groups, and Martin Mitchell came out on top in the first race and was celebrating the win with his son who met him on the other side.

Martin Mitchell and his son (Image: Hollie Carr)

The swimmer held a very strong lead during his race.

Martin said: “I did the Harbour Swim because someone challenged me to do it – so this is two years in the making.

“I feel really good but I’m glad it’s over.”

Liam Miles also competed in the first event with a turkey hat on and alike many of the participants said: “It was cold, but not as cold as last year.”

Funds raised from the event will be used to support a variety of local good causes in Weymouth and Portland.

Swimmers were also raising money for their own charities including Naomi Grange who was fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

Naomi completed the swim alongside her friends Beckie Mussenden and Maria Lochrie-Sargent who all dressed as Christmas crackers.

Naomi said: “I am doing the 12 dips of Christmas for Cancer Research, and this is my twelfth swim.

"I have never swam it before, but always go as a spectator. I was a bit worried about doing it as the harbour is a bit gross, but I am really glad I did it, it was a great atmosphere and I would do it again."

The trio all agreed that they ‘couldn’t wait’ to do the swim.

At the time of writing, Naomi has raised £782 for the charity.

Marie Robinson also braved the plunge alongside her godson Corben Butler and the pair sported a matching pair of Christmas onesies.

Corben Butler and Marie Robinson (Image: Hollie Carr)

They said: “We are doing this because it’s good fun.”

This is Marie’s second year doing the Harbour Swim, whilst Corben is on his third.

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club president Ryan Hope said: “We have 403 swimmers and are expecting a good show. It’s always festive and fun.

Ryan Hope (Image: Hollie Carr)

“The event raises a lot of money for local charities.”

The Adams and Howell family joined forces to compete in the race.

Leah Howell, Alice Adams, Jodie Howell, Andy Adams and Kerry Adams (Image: Hollie Carr)

They said: “We are getting into the Christmas spirit.”

Alice Adams added: “I have always wanted to do it at some point in my life.”

Alice’s dad Andy who was swimming alongside her also took part in the swim in 2018.

Anyone wishing to donate online can do so by searching for Weymouth & Portland Lions Club on gofundme.com.

If you would like to donate to Naomi's fundraiser for Cancer Research, visit: - if you would like to donate to her fundraiser, visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/naomis-giving-page-3032?fbclid=IwAR19ZkZCYZh-AWdD2k197wABZ_5-CUNwN6QvMTwZ_F6b9l8COl8GFNfAn3M_aem_AcKRtnkpXTsmWYBCLWvyHhGY0Cbj46SS8jSvyw9rdpN08Mz4EfXSwq41rUfberjy3tM.