ABOUT 50 dinghy crews from all over the world made a splash at a summer regatta yesterday.

The Tees and Hartlepool Yachting Club, which has just been awarded Volvo Royal Yachting Association Champion Club status, organised the event as a celebration.

It included races for the OK dinghy world qualifier series, testing crews' strength, skill and coordination to the limit.

As part of the event, at West Harbour, Hartlepool Marina, visitors could view the Volvo S60, which holds the British land speed record, and the new Volvo V70 cross country.

The champion club award is given as a golden standard to clubs committed to youth sailing and race coaching.