HUNDREDS gathered along Southampton Water for one of the biggest events in the summer calendar.

Today marked the long-awaited return of the Great Waterside Raft Race in Hythe.

Around 12 crews raced around a circuit between Hythe Marina Village and the pier.

This year’s event saw a wacky collection of homemade rafts – some reportedly made just the night before.

The Fish and Ships, captained by Edward Askham-Spencer, was made of cardboard covered in plastic.

Also competing, were firefighters from Hardley Fire Station led by watch manager Martin Rumsey.

Meanwhile, members of the Hythe Shed built their vessel in three days.

They were simply in the competition “to have a laugh and not to sink”.

 Hundreds of spectators lined the foreshore to watch the action.

The annual event has been running for more than 30 years and is organised by the Hythe and Calshot branch of the RNLI.

This year categories included a decorated raft race, ladies race, pub race and junior race, amongst others.

In 2017, the spectacle raised almost £8,000 for the life-saving charity.

However, last year, plans were pulled due to coronavirus concerns.