The 2013 Paddle and Oar Festival in Manningtree really lived up to the summer expectations in that it was very cold and very windy – but no rain so that was a bonus. With this in mind, a very particular HUGE thanks to all of those brave souls who ventured to Manningtree for this annual event.
Whatever the weather you can be sure of a warm welcome and a brave smile from the Manningtree crews:
Saturday 8th June
Visiting boats and crew arrived early to get ready and wait for the tide – just look at those windsocks!
The 7 mile Wrabness Challenge was not for the faint hearted:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Although there were some who thought they would make a day of it and have a drink along the way!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
We had some hardy people who took advantage of the available expert tuition and guidance to have a go in a kayak plus some intrepid people who tackled the famous Hogmarsh Island Duck Hunt, in their canoes and kayaks.
The winners!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Results
Wrabness Challenge – with a stiff North Easterly and a bumpy ride. The handicap system is simply based on the Great River Race Handicaps for each class of boat – adjusted for the length of race. Prizes for the day were presented by our sponsor Nick Offord from Red7 Marine Services.
| BOAT NAME | ELAPSED TIME | ORDER ACROSS LINE |
POSITION AFTER GRR HANDICAP |
| Spirit of Dunkirk | 1:14:36 | 1 | 2 |
| O’Bucket | 1:19:08 | 2 | 1 |
| Spartan | 1:24.06 | 3 | 3 |
| Aquiline | 1:24:24 | 4 | 5 |
| Coastal Double * | 1:24:44 | 5 | * |
| Leigh Ho | 1:26:04 | 6 | 4 |
| Dauntless | 1:30:28 | 7 | 8 |
| Renown | 1:31:15 | 8 | 7 |
| Witchoar | 1:32:28 | 9 | 6 |
| Audacity | 1:34:07 | 10 | 10 |
| Myrto | 1:39:46 | 11 | 9 |
| Lt Washington | 2:07:00 | 12 | 11 |
| Fanbridge Swan | 2:10:49 | 13 | 12 |
* No known GRR handicap available
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
There was time for a delicious BBQ and tea and cakes (another tradition at Manningtree), and to review the days events and discuss tactics.
In the evening approximately 120 people attended the Saturday Splash in the marquee to dance the night away to the wonderful Talk of the Town and partake in a drink or two as well as a delicious Indian meal.
Sunday 9th June
We awoke to another typical summer day although thankfully there was a bit less wind. Really!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
We were delighted to have the full complement of Harkers Yard Gigs for the Mistley Triangle, plus the Queenferry crew driving from the Isle of Sheppy still needing 2 further crew members and a cox! We also had one brave canoeist in his kayak taking part.
Results
Presented by our sponsor Bill Rose from Rose Builders Limited
| BOAT NAME | ELAPSED TIME | ORDER ACROSS LINE |
POSITION AFTER GRR HANDICAP |
| O’Bucket | 21:48 | 1 | 1 |
| QT | 22:32 | 2 | 4 |
| Velocity | 22:36 | 3 | 2 |
| Witchoar | 25:48 | 4 | 3 |
| Myrto | 26:19 | 5 | 5 |
| Aquiline | 26:28 | 6 | 7 |
| Audacity | 26:29 | 7 | 8 |
| Vanduara | 27:40 | 8 | 9 |
| Lt Washington | 27:49 | 9 | 6 |
| Tub – Coxed Double* | 32:56 | 10 | – |
* No known GRR handicap available
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Steven came along with his coracle again, with plenty of people having a go!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Plus the most competitive event of the whole weekend – the blindfold rowing!! The usual fun and games plus a few dirty tricks ensued before the winning team emerged:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After a great 2 days all that was left was for the boats to be loaded up and taken away and reflect on the weekends activities!
