The Victoria Shadow Association

 

An invitation was received at the recent Cookham Rally to join the crew of 'Heavenly Daze' for a day on the river at the Henley Regatta. Apart from the excitement of the rowing, we were assured we should see many unusual sights. Such an invitation was much too good to miss and we arrived at Bushnell's Marina in Wargrave somewhat before the agreed time to be greeted by John and Gillian Walker aboard their Shadow 26, 'Heavenly Daze'. I should say that Bushnell's Marina struck us as being very smart and not at all like the majority of coastal marinas we normally visit. 'Heavenly Daze' was wearing the association burgee and also equipped with some unusual fenders.

Gillian welcomes us aboard 'Heavenly Daze'.

 

Smart slipper launch, 'Moonlight' waits to lock down		but the yellow submarine stops at a pub' instead

 

Open boats are allowed to lie alongside the course		Some really do things in style

 

A shoe yacht		is followed by the ice cream boat

 

We really needed to moor somewhere for lunch. Not easy on this occasion. Then, we spotted 'Ocho Rios' the Fairline Mirage that had attended our Cookham Rally. We were soon alongside and enjoyed a splendid lunch, prepared by Gillian. It was good to see David and Elaine aboard 'Ocho Rios', again. After lunch we said our goodbyes and ventured out onto the river once again. The rowers had been eating their lunch, as well, and the course was quiet. Each race was over very quickly with just a huge amount of cheering as the boats approached the finish line. It was quite easy to miss a race altogether!

David on 'Ocho Rios'

 

'Constance II' had a nice young lady		dressed as a French Maid!

 

Course and busy river		River Thames Society boat

 

Surely that cannot be Carol and Peter?		Well, yes, I do believe it is!

 

John at the helm		The tricycle boat

 

'Ocho Rios' underway		Shadow 26, 'White Rose of York' makes a last minute appearance

 

	John and Gillian gave us a splendid day out on the river, which was much appreciated. 'Heavenly Daze' carried us safely back to Bushnell's Marina at Wargrave and we were able to end the day with a meal out together at a local pub' in the evening. Thank you, John and Gillian.
John and Gillian and 'Heavenly Daze'