By Mal Butler
Rambo the cross pug/beagle took centre stage at the Yarmouth annual duck race on Saturday.
Rambo, owned by Shirley Gilsenan, won the Easter Bonnet competition, as hundreds of people enjoyed the event on the River Yar, by the Sailing Club. His bonnet was decorated with daffodils and Easter eggs to bring a seasonal theme to the occasion.
Race commentary of the event, organised by the town’s Carnival Committee, was supplied by the town’s ‘Ant and Peck’, Anthony Davies and Miles Peckham, with Monty Ashton donning the Mallishag costume as the town’s mascot.
The Decorated Duck award for local businesses and clubs was won by PO41 Coffee House with Wight Marine taking the honours during the Decorated Duck race.
After the 1,500 ducks were released, a breakaway group escaped through a gap in one of the booms, it was hoped they will be found at some stage afterwards!
There was also a sell-out at Ventnor for the 11th year in raising funds for the Ventnor Enhancement Fund (VEF).
VEF chairman, Graham Middleton, said: “There were 14 races of 30 ducks and it was incredibly well-supported. All 420 ducks successfully made it down the stream at Flowers Brook meadow, with the winning and last duck ticket holders in each heat getting a prize.
“We then had the two grand finals; first, the losing ducks went again when the last duck was the ‘Ultimate Loser’ (number 409). Then all the winners raced to find the Champion Duck (number 232).
“Despite the slightly chilly conditions, the event was a sell-out and we raised vital funds for the VEF.”
Over at The Shide, Newport, there was another successful event, with more than £1,000 being raised for Aspire Ryde. Karen Eeles, of Aspire, said: “The day started wet and windy, but, by noon, it had cheered up and we had lots of people with us to enjoy the day. The £100 first duck home was Debbie’s from Newport.”
On Sunday, record crowds turned-out to support the Calbourne Duck Race at Winkle Street, with organiser, Steve Mansfield, saying: “We seem to get more people each year. There were 350 cars parked on the Recreation Ground which gives you an idea of the huge numbers who arrived in the village.
“It’s a real family occasion and visitors come here on holiday just to meet up with old friends. We had 1,200 ducks and they were all sold out 15 minutes before the first race.”
Around £1,400 was raised and this will go towards the running costs of the village recreation centre.
Tilly Walder 
Isle of Wight Observer