The red trouser brigade had an exceptional guided walk thanks to the knowledgable, tour guide Christopher Helyer, who said: “I’m delighted to be wearing my red cords. I haven’t been able to get into them for two years!”

A most enjoyable and informative walk starting from the town pontoon involved many stops. The South Embankment was first and was viewed in comparison to a picture of the South Embankment in 1966. According to Charley Horton: “It has changed a great deal and certainly for the better.”

The group received more and more snippets of information from their guide, which meant the walk took virtually double the time a normal stroll to Dartmouth Castle would take. There was a fascinating look around St Petrox Church where Christopher Helyer is the sexton. For the return journey, the group hijacked the Castle ferry into town.

Transferring to their vessels in Dartmouth, the red-trousered pirates took to their boats and headed south to anchor off Blackpool Sands. Here they were rejuvenated with a sumptuous onboard picnic which tested their dexterity and their balance in breezy conditions.

One brave character managed to wake board close to the beach, near Torcross and, later that evening, the rouge-culottes stormed the Windjammer Inn for grog.

The next day, activities were limited as recovery was required. Hair of the dog was taken Friday evening at the Maltsters at Tuckenhay, Bow Creek. The crew-en-rouge managed the six and a half miles up river by boat without loss.

All boats navigated safely back to Dartmouth with out the loss of a single red-trousered sailor and no one ended up stranded on a mud bank, despite threats to the contrary.

Thanks are paid to all the Dartmouth traders who dressed for the event and this year’s crew look forward to next year with more like minded owners of boats and red trousers.