This Sundays Raftrace Promises To Be Biggest And Best Yet
Organisers of this Sundays Blue Anchor to Minehead Raft Race in association with Butlins are looking to eclipse last years event in raising funds for The Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
The event, now in its 29th year is the largest of its kind in the country and takes place on Sunday 24th August at midday.
So far over 40 rafts have entered with many more pledging to take part in the event which raises money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
As in previous years the organisers are always looking at ways to improve the event and 2008 is no exception. There will be a fantastic firework display at dusk from the towns harbour funded by the generosity of the local business community while a number of pubs along the route have entered into the party atmosphere.
The Old Ship Aground will again be the focal point of the event with a stage hosting the presentation, Disco and live music from Rough Justice while the Quay Inn will have the popular Soul Train playing live. There will also be a family disco and hog roast in the beer garden. Further along The Esplanade the Hobby Horse Inn will be offering a raft race breakfast, Live Bands, Children's Rides, market stalls and a Disco. Finally the York House will have the "Mighty Peas" comedy and music act with a BBQ and Disco until 1.00 AM
Raft Race Committee Chairman Derek Williams paid tribute to the generosity of the local business community " we are again delighted to have Butlins as out principal sponsor"
Mr Williams continued "even in difficult trading times the local business community have been fantastic. Every year they come forward with their generous advertising support enabling the grand firework display to take place"
Up to 1999 the race was run on a "scratch" basis with all of the rafts setting off together. But since then due to the success of the event and the competitiveness of the rafting the 12 fastest rafts from the previous year start exactly 15 minutes after the rest. This means that the quick teams have to catch up and negotiate their way through the flotilla of rafts.
Another innovation first seen in 2007 is the addition of a shorter course from Minehead Golf Coarse to the harbour. This event is aimed at the fun rafters and fancy dress teams who may have found the intense 4 mile course to challenging.
Although the event is very much a fun event paddling in unpredictable sea conditions along the 4 mile course can be extremely challenging and sometimes unpleasant. Team tactics often apply with crews trying to get everything right.
Mr Williams added "the idea behind these innovations is to make the race more exciting for both crews and spectators and will remain a regular feature of the event"
In 2007 the event attracted over 40 entries with many rafters bringing their craft 100's of miles to take place in a race in which the winners receive no prize money, just a handful of modest trophies.
The 300 or so stalwarts taking part do so in the spirit of competition, for fun and to help raise valuable funds for Britain's Lifeboat service. Last years event raised nearly £9000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution which is a charity and receives no Government funding. It costs in excess of £110 million to ensure its volunteer crews go to sea with the very best boats and equipment.
To emphasise the family element of the event spectators are advised that the harbour and Quay Street areas will be bottle free zones and this will be enforced throughout the day.
The crew of the Minehead Lifeboat will be holding a minutes silence at 12.00 noon for Robert Southey who passed away aged 24. "Scuddy" as he was affectionately known was a well loved local character and keen raft race participant.
Entries are still being accepted via Minehead Glass on 08444 994420 and anyone who feels they can assist on the day by selling programmes would be much appreciated.
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