20 boats that could not be bothered with the practice ?

[mjf]

Anyone know where the 'drop outs' will be accomodated - ie those who applied but did not pass muster but who have been offered a viewing position for applying anyway?

 

[chanelyacht]

Whichever way you interpret the result,it is a very Thames centric result with the majority of the UK excluded

Perfectly representative of the UK on almost every issue then.

With any luck Al Queda are planning the torpedos as we speak

 

[oldgit]

"Perfectly representative of the UK on almost every issue then."

 

[boatone]

It was always going to be a predominantly Thames and adjacent waters event with a heavy tideway bias, wasn't it? Just the logistics of getting boats in the right place was going to rule out many. the hardy NB fraternity were going to organise their cruising to get there over a period of time and, just as slowly, get back again afterwards.
I understand Princess Matilda has now dropped out due to location difficulties and I'm sure many others didn't even bother to apply due to time and cost constraints, let alone the other hurdles that need to be jumped.
Not really surprised that there's a fair few boats from a 'close knit community' either - if I was organising something like this with real boat handling issues in close company I'd feel happier with at least some folk around me that I had first hand knowledge of. Lack of transparency in the selection process is probably the real villain here which always leaves a sour taste and I really do sympathise with those that made an effort to help out with the rehearsal and didn't get selected.

 

[TrueBlue]

It was always going to be a predominantly Thames and adjacent waters event with a heavy tideway bias, wasn't it? Just the logistics of getting boats in the right place was going to rule out many. the hardy NB fraternity were going to organise their cruising to get there over a period of time and, just as slowly, get back again afterwards.
I understand Princess Matilda has now dropped out due to location difficulties and I'm sure many others didn't even bother to apply due to time and cost constraints, let alone the other hurdles that need to be jumped.
Not really surprised that there's a fair few boats from a 'close knit community' either - if I was organising something like this with real boat handling issues in close company I'd feel happier with at least some folk around me that I had first hand knowledge of. Lack of transparency in the selection process is probably the real villain here which always leaves a sour taste and I really do sympathise with those that made an effort to help out with the rehearsal and didn't get selected.

Unfortunately quite a reasonable analysis.

I'd much rather want it to be a Plot to Take Over The River by The Forces of Evil.
Conspiracy theory smashed. Bother, Bother, Bother.

Of course somebody in a club says -Oo that looks interesting - and gets other members to join in.
As with all events that Authority gets involved with - the first port of call is registered clubs, societies, whathaveyou because they are a known quantity.

The St. Pancreas Cruising Club is well organised and frequently has trips up and down the River, so it's not surprised that they have a lot of entries.

If the TMBA had been further advanced when the plan was mooted, then perhaps there would be other boats in the parade.

 

[Gavi]

Good theory but my take was that the boat handling was not that good.. Few kept a proper lookout or kept steady speed, but best wishes to all who partake