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Kraken

From: Dublin Bay

Registered: 2011-02-24

Posts: 339

Henley Regatta 2009

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'.

Gillian welcomes us aboard '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.

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

And 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.

David on 'Ocho Rios'

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!

'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 (right)

'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.

John and Gillian and 'Heavenly Daze'

'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.