BOATS IN THE BAY 2011

The early arrival of autumn gales, which had already prevented the visiting luggers sailing from Newlyn, together with an appalling forecast pushed the organisers to the brink of cancelling the 6th annual Boats in the Bay event.  A last minute change of venue, however, allowed the fish BBQ (courtesy of Matthew Stevens and Son) to go ahead under the cover of the fishermen's lodges whilst overhead bunting flew horizontally in the near gale last Friday evening.

 Meanwhile, addressing a capacity audience in the Guildhall, Jonathan Dimbleby acknowledged the pride in the towns' maritime heritage and brought the 'jumbo' to the nation's attention as he welcomed Radio 4's listeners to Any Questions. In the same breath as 'Hepworth and the Tate,' the jumbo was acknowledged as an established feature of the town.

 By Saturday the weather had improved considerably.  Boats in the Bay 2011 proved to be yet another success which, together with the swimming gala, provided a splendid launch for the September Festival. 

 New this year was the Jumbo Race which began within the harbour in spectacular style thanks to the participation of the Star Gun Company.

No one is left in any doubt that the Jumbo Race has started as Colin, of the Star Gun Company, fires an early 19th cent. frigate's quarter-deck gun from the end of West Pier. 

Photo: Colin Sanger

Reefed right down, with as yet an untried combination of sail, the jumbos squeezed out through the moorings and just scraped around the end of Smeaton's Pier. By the first mark Celeste had taken the lead which she retained to win the race. After changing crews both jumbos set forth again enabling several new members to enjoy their first sail.

 

'A two mizzen breeze'. Phil and Gill Slater accompany the jumbos as Celeste (centre) takes the lead from William Paynter (right) during the first leg of Saturday's Jumbo race. Photo: Colin Sanger.

 

Our stall attracted unprecedented interest throughout the day. Over £650 was raised and 4 new members signed up.

 Framed by a spectacular double rainbow and somewhat hoarse from providing the afternoon's swimming gala commentary, Janette Eathorne, an enthusiastic supporter of the Association and native of the town, concluded the days events with rousing words of encouragement for the participants.

 As has become customary, Boats in the Bay ended in song with an evening at the Castle Inn supported by the Cadgwith Singers and a barrel from the Penzance Brewery!

secretary
THE ST.IVES JUMBO ASSOCIATION
mobile; 07866777219
www.stivesjumbo.com
Registered Charity No.1142930