Exmouth Rowing Club (ERC) has triumphed in the Welsh National Coastal Championships despite the weather conditions.

The competition, held in Aberdyfi, Wales, unfolded amid winds gusting at 38 mph.

Yet, the teams from the Devon-based club managed to clinch routine victories in various categories.

Club captain Jonno Houghton, who won line honours in doubles races with – respectively- husband and wife team Bryony and Mark Smith, said he’d never rowed in such conditions.

He said: "The safety cover was outstanding.

"The 6K course was shifted up-estuary from the open sea and there were four rescue boats for a maximum of 13 entrants per race.

"But even so, you were battling both the swell, breaking waves, and a savage headwind."

ERC Chairman Richard Robinson won the over-sixties race in a single scull and went on to claim a silver with Suzanne Isaacs in the mixed 50s doubles.

Ms Isaacs said: "Richard is fluent in countless languages but I've never heard so much Anglo-Saxon in my life.

"The conditions were appalling.

"Saved by the soundtrack? Thank God for Richard."

Competing after a wet night under canvas, masters scullers Marie Guingouin and Anna Childs placed first and second in open single sculls.

The duo also bagged second place in the open double event.

Bryony Smith claimed victory in her second race alongside Sophie Harris from Mayflower.

Two-thirds of all medals were won from clubs competing in the south-western coastal rowing league.

Mr Houghton said: "Coastal rowing is on a journey nationwide and this event was definitely an important bend in the road

"The sport is becoming huge and we like to think that Exmouth Rowing Club has been at the wheel throughout.

"Whatever the future holds, I’ll never forget that tussle with a Welsh summer and the madness on the river Dyfi."

He also thanked everyone involved, including the club's go-to troubleshooter, Don Burley.

Despite the adverse conditions, Exmouth Rowing Club members performed exemplary, doing their club proud.