12 hour Event 20th September 2008

2008 marked the Club's 4th sponsorship sail with the sunny weather providing the best conditions yet apart from sail-power, which ranged from gentle to soporific.

The Friends of Michael Sobell House were represented by Rod Lacey (Chairman) and Joe Sandercock, this year Rod allowed Joe to start the race promptly at mid-day, 10 boats having been entered for the event.. Aslan had a good start and led on the first lap. As usual Kevin and Mary were on duty computing up-to-date results.

The club house was decorated with flags and balloons and sported signs from sponsorship providers Matthew Arnold (MAB), F. J. Thompson and Simply Outdoors. The galley team were busy with preparations for the onslaught of hungry punters backed up by two slaves, Terry and Doreen from Broughton, together with Alan and Shirley Ford who operated the bar. Safety on the water was provided by Peter, Don, Graham and Chris.

This year we had organised music in a marquee and a fine craft stall. The shore was covered with cheering picnickers and the whole scene was first class. Prizes from Simply Outdoors, Harefield Marina, Welsh Harp and Graham and Alan Darvill were fought for each hour ensuring each boat received something. After two hours Greg's Girlies replaced Aslan as lead boat and this position remained unchanged for the rest of the race. At 17.30 hours Chris and Graham fired up the BBQ and bangers and burgers were available for anyone still hungry. The draught beer ran dry! Jason Kilbey did sterling work selling raffle tickets for the Kodak Digital Camera provided by a friend of Alan's. This raised £144.00 and was won by Nigel. As twilight fell the markers on the course were lit and the fleet drifted on until approaching 22.00 hours when it was decided to shorten the race and a rocket soared in the sky to the relief of those still drifting. By now the craft stall had closed having raised £133.00 and it was time to start the tidying up. The results of the race were as follows:-

• 1st Greg's Girlies
• 2nd Aslan
• 3rd Father & Son
• 4th Spirit of Isaly
• 5th Sultan Girls
• 6th Team Chalfont.com
• 7th Ode
• 8th Sharks
• 9th Fuzzy Duck

Gregs Girlies win the Michael Sobell Shield and Aslan wins the Dorothy Smith trophy for the team raising the most sponsorship money.

The total amount of money raised was £5,400

Sales of food and refreshments, raffling the camera and other donations amounted to nearly £1,100 and the sponsorship money raised by the individual boats amounted to nearly £4,300 and is as follows

It was good to see so many younger members enjoying themselves as born out by a donation and letter from the Pico contingent saying they were looking forward to next year's event.