Well the rain didn't dampen anyone spirits today.... at the rain tried really hard !
We were soaked through within minutes of getting out the car but several dozen people turned up anyway... even all the way from the Wales & Isle of White! Now that's true dedication. Even during the heaviest showers, there was always at least 6 boats on the water including 2 very water resistant Sea Wind yachts, the Springer tugs pushing everything around and even playing football!!. The weather was lifted with lots of roaring laughter and jeers that rang out across the lake.
I too second Bradders thoughts, what a wonderful bunch of people that turned up!
Bradders is holiday for a week now but we'll sit down when he gets back and spin a yarn or 10 together when get the photos sorted.
Highlights of the weekend for us, (in no particular order) - turnout, smiling faces, support from the trade, the variety of vessels, wonderful atmosphere, Wicksteed Park management, Mrs Bradders & Mrs Mayhem (supplying constant the free tea and coffee the whole weekend), Hanna and her Dad, Phil Abbot of the Blackheath club, the Springer Tug display team, Colin Bishop, the 'Other' Brian, Martinno1fan, Ghost in the shell (who sailed all day, despite several lagers!) Wolf of Deans Marine (what a trooper), the Mini-Z boats, Wicksteed & Northampton clubs (what great hosts & in particular Martin who couldn't have been more helpful), the patients of everyone with the schedule (which was 'shot to hell' before we even got it going!) my son Kirk who put the whole Shane steering course out (but had no idea who, what, or why I was yelling at him but kept his temper anyway), the green trolley, the generosity of everyone that brought tea, coffee, cups etc, Guy Badley & family, Poll, Tugboat Kenny (and his amazing demonstration of sinking offshore support ship), the RNLI "display team", The Model Hovercraft Association, Richard (for lending us his PA), Ian (we all wish your Mrs well with your very imminent birth!) , Jackie, Laurie, Dave, Ron, John, Mark, Jag, Lucy & Paul…… and this is just the start of the list!!!
A SPECIAL BIG THANKS goes Bradders, who I can honestly say, without his constant encouragement, cajoling, temper tantrums, barrage of insults, deep pockets, vision and organization skills – the event would not have happened.
THANKS EVERYONE, IT WAS BRILLIANT!