Not many cakes; plenty of ale - Seagull Race 2008

Sunday 21st December 2008

48 boats registered, despite the fact that we were all probably meant to be doing something else the last Saturday before Christmas. In better weather than we had for the midsummer solstice, a party atmosphere prevailed in line with the theme for the day - fuelled by a good supply of mulled wine and mince pies. It was amazing how many ways people managed to interpret the 'party' idea. Have a look at the Gallery page to see:

• The Mad Hatter's tea party
• The dinner party - cool evening clothes and hardly a splash in sight!
• The Green Party, complete with extremely green people, a tree to hug and a familiar resident seagull
• The British Seagull Party, with campaigning rosettes and a loud hailer
• Santa and his flock of seagulls - powered by no fewer than five apparently working outboards. (Sadly, these were no help on the mud, which meant Rudolph had to get out and push.)
• A 'party' party, with table, chairs, bottles and glasses
• Multiple balloons - some of which were accompanied by booming party music
• Parties of the sixties.

There were also all the usual local party accessories: wigs, funny hats, pirate outfits and - of course - men in fishnets.

There were new departures to mark the event's 21st anniversary. Sadly, the 'best decorated cake' competition attracted only one entry. Luckily it was a very good entry, so there was no difficulty about awarding the first prize! There was also an entertaining tug o' war between the winning boats. This was soon over, and no doubt a bit frustrating for those whose engine at that one crucial moment failed to start - all part of the genuine Seagull tradition!

The prize-giving and raffle draw were hosted at lunchtime by The Ship Inn, where it was announced that well over £200 had been raised for the RNLI - a good end to a good morning. Congratulations to all those involved!