Sunbury Regatta Fireworks

[bradtarga34]

Anybody heading down for this, amazingly weather forecast is actually looking good for it for a change? Last time I went, a few years ago, Shepperton and Walton Marina had their work boats in attendance to assist with the anchoring and rafting, does this still happen? Speaking with one of the guys from Walton Marina, it doesn't look as though they are sending anyone, and will they have the leccy on late at Sunbury? Pity the manual barge lock is still out of action...

 

[Gavi]

Very interested - let's have a chat.

 

[teddington_lock]

Pity the manual barge lock is still out of action...

I'll find out if the Agency will be manning the lock till late like they have done in previous years and let you know tomorrow.

( It's not a barge lock , only we have a barge lock )

H

 

[bradtarga34]

Ooh, sorry H! And what a lovely one it is as well!

 

[Doolittle]

It can be bedlam after the fireworks. Imagine eight to ten rows of boats, moored six to eight out from the bank, and a fair majority having consumed a bottle of wine or two - at least that's what is recommended as you nudge your way back to the lock! A great evening though, let me know what time you are setting off, I may be able to join you.

Here are some very old pics from 2003:

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[Gavi]

This has to be done! Arrangements being made by phone on Saturday morning. Any other forumites are welcome to join - PM me

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Very annoyed as we are going to an unfortunately timed wedding and not doing the regatta and illuminations. Have fun and have a drink for me (or two, you know who you are!)

Feck:-(

 

[Hummer]

Stoopid Question

But when is it?

 

[bradtarga34]

Geez, talk about bad timing alright, and you're right around the corner! How many boats are they expected to get together for the sailpast, do you know?

Regatta is on tomorrow 15/08, I think you can start anchoring up from about 1800 once the Regatta has finished.

Doolittle, we are heading up your way tomorrow and will probably meet up with Gavi for cruise back to Sunbury, timing wise probably about 1530 or so...

 

[teddington_lock]

Sunbury lock will be staffed from 1900 to midnight.

Doolittle is right , it is bedlam once the fireworks have finished , matched only by the mad scramble after the last race at Henley to be in prime position for the fireworks.

Sail past at 2100

Fireworks begin 2130 ( ish )

 

[bradtarga34]

Excellent H, thanks for the info! I think I might find a nice quiet spot to stay the night to avoid the lock rage, got my 2 anchors just in case...

 

[Doolittle]

...got my 2 anchors just in case...

Sunday morning News Flash.... Brad showing signs of exhaustion after spending entire night fending off with mop all those without anchors wanting to moor alongside!

 

[changeman]

Must have been very handy with your mop.
One boat is still underwater and will take a considerable effort to salvage!
Beware this new navigation hazard, surrounded by 4 floating blue fenders.
Eye witnesses say its navigation lights were still burning 2 hours after it sank.

 

[Captain Coochie]

O dear , i wonder what happened there then

 

[bradtarga34]

That's what happens when you raft alongside uninvited! Saw it yesterady as we moored up getting ready for a Bloody Mary at the Magpie, looked rather worse for wear... Apparently the fire brigade were out Saturday night trying to pump it out to no avail from what the lockie was saying... Fireworks were excellent, but not many boats in attendance though which was a shame, good to catch up with Gavi and had a great night, although the 0400 finish took a while to recover from...

 

[Captain Coochie]

Had me worried enough to give Wilsons a call and check it wasnt mine . It wasnt thank god .I havnt been near the boat for months

 

[Gavi]

What a fantastic evening we had on Saturday. The company was brilliant - even the mad drunk woman (and not part of our group - Brad, you had best explain) and the people who swam across to us for a party, until being expelled (Brad, you had best explain).

Sunday was fun too. We had a good run back, met some friends at The Swan and went for another trip. It must have been a good weekend judging by how rough I felt this morning.

Many thanks to Brad for the anchoring advice - another first, helped by finally using my VHF which was another first in itself. I am sure requesting lemonade wasn't part of the course...

We met a sick Doolittle on the way back, bravely being pulled forward at a good rate by Doomore.

It all ended with a beer with rr_123, a boat run (we got aboard Lindsey - the ex-RAF refueler on Church Island - great tour), dinner and an early night. Relatively.

Would post some photos if I could figure out how ,,, oh heck, let's try:

 

[rr_123]

Lyndsey

a boat run (we got aboard Lindsey - the ex-RAF refueler on Church Island - great tour), dinner and an early night. Relatively.

Relatively early (c: I was glad I wasn't the one with the eight o'clock meeting!!

Lyndsey was a real treat, a great boat in herself, but a real treat to go aboard a boat that is now somebodies passion and enthusiasm, but in previous incarnations had also been their home for many years, and done it's bit to protect our freedom. Amazing.

R