The wet weather did not dampen the community spirit of Deal at the Castles Raft Race this afternoon.

Teams gathered on the seafront by Deal Rowing Club at 2pm in rafts of different shapes and sizes and plenty of fancy dress.

There were nine teams in total and Booze Cruise took the winning title for the fifth year running and marked their 10th year in the race.

Captain Ryan Meadows, said: “It was hard rowing into the wind and with the tide against us meant it was really difficult. We were thinking of retiring but we’re going to do it again next year.

“We had our raft painted and it took a couple of days to make.”

The Booze Cruise team had a strong lead all the way through the 750 metre race. Team members Ryan Meadows, Warren Golding, Dan McLennan, Sam Cooke and Stuart Cooke received a medal for their efforts and £100 prize money which they will donate to Help For Heroes.

In second place was Jurrassic Raft with Ross Lacey, Grant Sawyer, James Evans and James Eberlin dressed in a dinosaur suit.

Team member Ross Lacey said: “We have come second three years on the trot now. We did lose a few dinosaurs along the way but it was worth it.”

Bones came in third while Wet Dreams who won the Best Dressed award for their spitfire inspired raft and dapper officers uniform, unfortunately capsized within minutes of setting off.

Their team consisted of Jason Killip, Sam Kerry, Robert Goss, Gary Jones and Luke Godfrey.

The team thanked Luke Godfrey for all his hard work in coming up with the idea and making the raft, describing him as a “creative genius”. His team mates said they wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.

Amigos and Skeleton Crew didn’t manage to keep their rafts all in one piece while other groups HMS Minion and Pete Golding and Friends managed to make it to the beach.

The winning teams were then presented with a medal at the pier by the Deal Carnival Court, including Deal Regatta Queen Kira Stuart, 18.

John Trickey, Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival and Regatta Association chairman, said: “The raft race was fantastic. We had nine entrants. We took advice and the advice was if you go you have to go now because of the tide and wind. We did and fortunately everyone got home safe and sound. It’s been quite a good turn-out, especially for the weather.

“It’s no surprise Booze Cruise won again!”

The Raft Race was once again sponsored by Peter Varrall from Castles, with other carnival sponsors this year including Adamson Suzuki.

The Lorry Pull which was due to take place on the promenade near Deal Pier at 3.30pm was cancelled and postponed for Wednesday night at 6pm.