Sailing club's First Ever Raft Building Competition

On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, the peace and quiet of the spring day in Penzance Harbour was suddenly broken by two hordes of children scurrying around with large wooden poles, big orange barrels and buckets full of assorted bits of rope.

The two teams were on a mission - to build the best raft and win the harbour raft race.

Raft building took place in two separate areas of the boat pens, supposedly to prevent each team from finding out what the others were doing, but there was a seemingly endless need for various team members to 'get something from mum's car' or 'go to the toilet' - somehow they always seemed to come back with a detailed description of the opposing raft!

After much trial and error, the final designs were checked over by the adult team leaders, all ropes tightened and it was off to the Clubhouse for a Safety Briefing, to sign in and get kitted out with buoyancy aids and protective helmets, ready for the race.

The Sailing club safety boats were swiftly deployed to lay a course alongside the North Arm, and to assist the rafts to the start line. A loud toot on the horn and they were off. Despite much splashing and shouting, it was obvious from the start that one raft was much faster than the other, not to mention being a bit higher in the water even though it had a much larger crew!

All manner of paddles, oars and foot propulsion was put to good effect at creating a splash, and even occasionally propelling the craft. With the support of a specially commissioned 'Supporter's Launch' cruising the course displaying the team colours and flag, the 'Xtreme Rafters' were first over the line, despite the trailing raft having a little assistance from the Rib.

A quick crew change and the rafts were off again for the second race, this time back to the launching slip. To the amusement of onlookers on 'The Mermaid' fishing boat- not to mention the sailors who had been out training on our new fleet of six Laser Picos - the winner of the first race again surged ahead.

The second team seemed a bit lower in the water than before, and also left a bit of the raft in their wake, but nevertheless made it (again with a bit of help from the Rib) safely back to shore.

Prizegiving was held in the Clubhouse after everyone had got changed and warm again after being in the cold water. Two magnificent prizes were awarded - first prize was a box of chocolates, second prize was an identical box, but with one chocolate removed and eaten by the event organiser!

A great time was had by all - with nearly 30 local children taking part, and many thanks to Sam Kent and his team of supervisors and the boat crews for their assistance, and to the Club members who manned the Galley to provide drinks and refreshments to spectators and raft crew alike. I'm looking forward eagerly to the next one!