BOATS IN THE BAY 2008 -
FRIDAY 5TH AND SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER.
Despite the weather,
which had prevented the boats from Mounts Bay attending, caused the cancellation
of racing and even threatened the whole event,
Boats in the Bay 2008 went
ahead last week end:
“It was a remarkable
success snatched from a British summer that continues to disappoint millions!”
according to the organizer, Jonny Nance. “We managed
to fulfil our objectives by providing a spectacle of
sail (with the jumbo sailing on 3 consecutive days), a social event for the
community, centred around
the harbourfront whilst promoting the aims of the St.Ives Jumbo Association. It may have been physically
smaller than 2 years ago, but this was more than compensated for by the
increased level of interest and support generated and the warmth shown by those
who have become involved. Crucially, the whole event was once again staged
without a budget. Services, produce, time, everything has been donated by those
who see the social merit of what we’re trying to achieve. Support like this
bodes well for the proposed racing class of Jumbos and we confidently look
forward to Boats
in the Bay
In brightening conditions
on Friday evening, the event began with a demonstration by the Jumbo ‘Celeste’.
With Dolly, Mike Laity’s 6 year-old daughter, at the helm cracking the whip,
her crew frantically ‘dipped the lug’ as she short-tacked her way through the
moorings. By the time the setting sun finally broke through, participants were
enjoying barbecued mackerel fillets outside Shamrock Lodge which had been
kindly donated by Matthew Stevens and Son.
The evening concluded
at The Castle Inn,
Although restricted to
resident craft and those arriving by road, Saturday morning’s event saw no less
than 5 lug-rigged boats sailing within the shelter of the harbour
and it’s approaches. During the afternoon, the tide
being out, the participating boats were brought on trailers up the slipway to
join the replica St.Ives punt and the stand promoting
the St.Ives Jumbo Association. This drew much
interest encouraging several new members to join. Four more ‘shares’ (at £230
each) were donated for the next jumbo.
The evening’s
entertainment was provided by the Cadgwith Singers
who began by striking up outside George’s Smock Shop. The jumbo meanwhile was
getting into trouble. Earlier she had been launched off her trailer onto the
sand to await the incoming tide. Now, with a rapidly freshening wind and a
swell building, her anchor was dragging. Jonny Nance,
with a press-ganged friend, stripped off and ran to assist Mike Laity, shoving
Celeste out through the surf and back to her mooring whilst the choir ashore
gustily sang “Will your anchor hold in
the Storms of Life?” At the Singers’ suggestion a collection was made on
behalf of the Association. Jonny arrived back in time
to address the considerable crowd that had gathered to listen to the
Singers. Dressed only in sodden underwear he thanked the Cadgwith
Singers, all those who had contributed and briefly explained what the Jumbo
Association was trying to achieve.
At the invitation of
the proprietor, all adjourned to The Castle where 50 pasties donated by The
Cornish Bakehouse were being warmed. A full-on
‘shout’ ensued (including songs by St.Ives-man, the late
John Barber) and even Mr. and Mrs. Andrew George MP stopped by to see what they
were missing!
The Jumbo Association next meet on Monday 6th October at
Work on the next jumbo is expected to begin in early October.
ENDS