Popular Pontoon Party 16 Sep 2014

Every year the Southampton Boat Show tries to rival our Pontoon Party and again it failed. The RCYC boats on show were more crowded than anything at Southampton. The RCYC clearly offers more to the Boating Public. It must be that there are far more interesting and pretty boats around in Burnham.

Light Refreshments were available as well. There was the Paprika – Dark and Stormy, offered by the Club Bosun, Mick King and the Aquarius wine with Fiz dished out by John Heathfield. Chris Goodfellow’s Nightsong had also returned from Scotland and round Ireland Cruise with a surplus of Pimms and Sue and Graham King on Quick Reflex was supplying a deadly blue King Daiquiri. Star Swan was awash with G+T and Kay and James Mattison’s Sorceror had a very fine wine cellar. But it was the boats that members and friends came to view…

Entertainment was supplied by Graham King aided by Mick King (no relation) demonstrating mast climbing when nearly dressed – overall. Knots used with signal flags might have to be discussed this coming winter.

The RNLI Montagu Whaler also came along to the pontoon party along with the rowers, haulers and support crew on their tour of the Essex and this is another story with a separate report.

The depth, due to the fast falling spring ebb, wound up the pontoon part of the party. Then the RCYC Bar and Catering team provided meals and drink for a capacity crowd of happy cruisers in the downstairs bar. After a nightcap on the grounded Nightsong at midnight the Cruiser Class Captain weaved his way home. Thank you all for coming and a big ‘thank you’ to all the RCYC Staff who organised such an enjoyable night.

Photo acknowledgements – Paprika, Sheena Cosens – Southampton, Essex, George Winder

Cheers!

Arthur Heasley