Gurnard Regatta 2011

A little like 2010, in that the weather was decidedly "suspect" first thing and it even rained while we were setting up, but then - great blessings - out came the sun and it was great!

Just the select few met for breakfast in the Watersedge before work started!

We took advantage of the low water to plant the buoys needed for the racing later on 

Pedal 'n Paddle was there quite early - a lesson going on - they planned to race at the regatta, but changed their minds later on 

Pedal 'n Paddle lecture! 

Out on the water now 

We couldn't resist it - Georgina putting last year's "skull & crossbones" up on the playground "ship" again! 

Steve arrives with the "noise" - just chillin' at the mo! 

The WI came this year - raise their profile - what's this, need a "man" to set it up? 

And the scouts & guides too - very professional at setting up, as you'd expect! 

One of the kids' favourites (and some of the adults too) - the Bouncy Castle arrives 

Ready to go - nobody here yet! 

Scouts & Guides all set up and ready 

Wow! Some came at about 12.30pm for a picnic on the Village Green - real stalwarts - it was raining - wonderful British spirit! 

And then a 2nd family - great! 

Setting up the Sea Creature craft stall - still grey skies!

At last - some youngsters have arrived 

Getting stuck in now - notice it's getting brighter!  

Great concentration - a budding artiste, no less! 

Leaping about with reckless abandon! 

What's caught her eye? What's going on over the back then?  

The RNLI arrives  

What a piece of kit - lots of gadgets! 

A man-overboard display took place - can you see the head - imagine trying to find that at sea?  

But OK if you happen to have a smoke flare! 

Phew - they've seen me 

Next was rescuing a casualty from an imaginary beach that can only be accessed from the sea  

If this was real, you might call this "morbid" interest! 

Don't forget his arm! 

Ah - the racing starts - under starter's orders! 

And they're off! 

Oooops! What's happened here? 

The winners! 

Wow I feel pooped he says - what's all the fuss about she says? Can we go again? 

Getting ready for one of the Kayak tugs of war! 

Getting lined up 

Go!

The "younger set" gets ready to race - surely that young lad at the front's not cold - he has a suit on! 

Getting aclimatised - the water's not that bad! 

And they're off with a big splash 

The winners! 

And we had some brave adults this year too! 

And they're off too - such enthusiasm - really encouraging! 

Wow - can't believe I did that - what a winner! 

How do we build this raft then? The Youth Conference! 

Like this, but hey - where have the young people gone? No commitment?! 

Raft trials - brave or what? 

Well it seems it floats, but with a "starboard" list! 

Was their trust in the design & manufacture - and their prior bravado misplaced?  

Oh dear - I rest my case! 

The cork scramble - see how many you can pick up and hide in your swimsuit!  

The usual bedlam! 

She is heavily laden with corks! 

Lots of cheating - in front of the judge too! 

Face painter, or rather arm painter, at work 

An apprentice at work? Practicing on the adults?  

Oh - very fetching! 

A masterpiece - the apprentice is learning fast! 

Now that's scary! 

Everyone really enjoying the day and the event 

The candy floss stall did well too 

That's it folks - there will be another event in 2012 - planned for Saturday 21st July!

Many thanks to all the stars - you were brilliant!