The winners (& losers) of the RNLI's Blue Anchor to Minehead raft race 2008
| Published: 25th August 2008 11:25 |
Weather conditions on Sunday, 24th August were not going to make the race an easy one for the competing teams.
Patrick's Gulpers were the winners of this year's Blue Anchor to Minehead raft race, coming in at 1hr 1.1minutes.
In second place were Wonder & Rafters, coming in at 1hr 2.22mins. Followed by Synwell Exiles in third at 1hr 8.25mins.
Patrick's Gulpers, who come from Marlbrook near Leominster (Hereford) still hold the race record set at 31.33mins in 2003.
The annual Blue Anchor to Minehead raft race saw 56 rafts take to the water, a record number of entrants for the event's 29th year.
During the race, a lifeboat crew was called out to help a windsurfer in difficulty, proving why it is so important to have fundraisers like the raft race to help keep the RNLI going.
See below for final results
The Fun Race
The choppy waters proved too much for one team at the start of the fun race event. The ambitious raft built from a caravan by ‘The Happy Campers' (The Windmill) team from Williton was never going to make it past the waves. It did, however, create the most amusing side-show of the day.
Among those who were able to battle past the difficulties (i.e. strong currents, crashing waves and rogue caravan), was the ‘Alpha Stags Explorer Scout Unit' who were joined by Beaver leaders from Porlock's 1st Scout club. The group is run by Angela Naylor & Dave Perkins.
Crew members were: Ben Thompson; Jack Howard; Natalie Naylor; Michael Rowe; Jackie Cox; and Tina Chiswell
The backpacker's hostel, Base Lodge in Minehead entered two teams on the theme of the ‘Runaway Bride'. Jane Long, who is due to be married for real in two weeks, played the ‘part' of the bride.
Members of both teams were: Wendy Stephenson; Jane Long; Shauna Buckley; Helen Taylor; Lynn De Dombal; Philippa Beaumont; Jessica Linford; Linda Oakes; Jo Hopes; Nicola Idown and Louise Evans.
Winners of this fun event were Williton & District Young farmers.
More pictures of the event:
Cirrhosis of the River from Cheltenham
"we didn't ask what they needed the inflatable for": Ed.
Help for the G I Girls (mothers from St. Michael's School, Minehead)
Official Results of the Main race
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