2010 saw a fleet of over 40 cruising boats representing all the sailing clubs on the River Exe racing to Brixham in the annual Champagne Challenge event sponsored by local companies Graham Sykes Insurance (owned by Graham Sykes) and Aqualine Bathrooms and Kitchens (owned by Martin Lilley). The course for this now classic contest took competitors from a start-line set in the estuary approaches and marked by the newly installed Exmouth Lifeboat, round the distant Orestone and in to a turning mark by Goodrington Sands in Torbay before finishing at the entrance to Brixham Harbour.

Winds were light and fickle initially and conventional tactics were confounded by better breeze offshore, which upset the form-book and left many competitors who sought the advantage of a favourable tide inshore by Dawlish struggling in the wakes of those who took a punt for the offshore route. Eventually a consistently strong south-westerly breeze filled in and gave the fleet some brisk upwind sailing, but by then the die was cast. In the fast handicap fleet Peanut sailed by Exmouth skipper Chris Rhodes revelled in the conditions completing the 18 mile course in a shade under three hours to score both line honours and handicap victory. Sea Reason skippered by Paul Goody sailing in the "comfort fleet" took the Challenge Trophy for the smaller cruising boats.

Over a hundred competitors enjoyed a champagne reception and high-spirited hospitality in the evening at Brixham Yacht Club where prizes were presented. In the spirit of inclusivity championed by this unique competition a special prize was awarded to the wearer of the most shamelessly faded short shorts seen on a competing vessel. For reasons of sensitivity and to spare his family, the identity of the winner will not be revealed to the press; nor will participants be forewarned of which extremes of sartorial display will draw an award in the next edition of the race in September 2012.

As the festivities warmed up in celebration of an outstanding event all competitors were enjoined to dig deep in a cash collection in support of funds for the RNLI.