A collection of animals, vegetables and minerals sprawled across Horseshoe Bay Beach late Saturday afternoon as the 15th annual Sandtastic Days sand sculpting competition drew to a close.

Sculptors were putting the finishing touches to fruit, an ice-cream cone, turtles, penguins, several mermaids, snakes, squid, the Sydney Opera House and the planet Earth among other things.

There were even a couple of castles among the 30-odd sculptures. Alongside the adults — some serious professionals wielding palate knives and fine brushes — there were a number of youngsters participating for a variety of reasons.

Eleven-year-old Emily Howe was working on her own sculpture of a horse beside the entry her dad Douglas had created on behalf of the Gideons International organisation.

Over the years the Warwick Academy student had watched her elder siblings Matthew and Kelly participating in the competition "almost every year until they grew up", and was inspired to enter herself by her sister.

"My sister's a great artist," Emily explained. "Lots of people have seen her stuff. She's amazing. So I think I can be a great sculptor."

Further down the beach, Charlie Howden, visiting from London, was working with her aunt Becky Ausenda on an art nouveau mermaid.

"I'm not expecting to win," admitted the 16-year-old, whose participation was a last-minute decision. "I'm just really enjoying doing it. This is just a great way to end my summer holiday."

As Charlie was planning to study 'A' level art when she returned to the UK, it was under her direction that the mermaid was formed as sand was carved from the initial heap.

"Charlie's the artist," Ms Ausenda noted, adding wryly, "I'm just the skivvy."

The sculpting was a group effort, however, aided by labour from Charlie's cousins Roberto and Matty Ausenda and their friend Finn Smith.

Following the judging at the end of the day they were thrilled to learn they had won the family category.

Near the end of the line, Peter Cooper (14) and Ben Sayers (15) were participating due to the typical Bermuda connection: Ben's friend's mum, Nicky Gurret.

Ms Gurret had helped organise the competition "so we figured we'd just join in," Peter explained.

He noted that he had heard about the competition the previous year, and thought he would participate this year, as "it looked fun."

With regard to the subject matter of their sculpture, Peter explained, "We kinda just decided to build the castle and went along with it. It's one of the simpler things to make."

Their efforts were rewarded when they won the first prize for the Under 16 category.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Department of Tourism noted, "The Bermuda Department of Tourism was very excited to part sponsor this year's event.

"We want to thank Nicky Gurret and the organisers of the Bermuda International Sand Sculpting Competition for their hard work and enthusiasm.

"The combination of perfect weather and crowd turnout was fantastic. These types of events are wonderful in bringing residents and visitors together."

Results

Open: Jay O'Connor — Gaga

Family: Ausenda Family — Do not disturb

Tourist: Ingrid Robania and John Kartsonas — Octopus

Company: Capital G — Life's a picnic

Teenager: Ben Sayers and Peter Cooper — Castle

Children: Kathryn and Brandon O'Connor — Squidward

Professional: Larry Hudson — Bermuda Pride

Amateur: Ingrid Robania and John Kartsonas — Octopus