Dragons, Partying in the Rain 6 Nov 2012

Due to a very busy summer of sailing the Burnham Dragon Summer Party was postponed and was re-scheduled for autumn. Sixty or so hardy party-goers descended on the Tavinors for a 18:00 start on 21st October and were welcomed with a warming alcoholic punch (expertly mixed by Katie Cole) that provided a warm glow that was to come in handy later.

Woody provided prime sausages for hot dogs for the well wrapped sailors to enjoy while marvelling at the creatively carved and decorated pumpkins as the light faded. Fingers were tightly crossed for the rain to hold off.

Illustrious class captains Mark and Mandy spearheaded a team of volunteers, too many to mention by name, and provided a delicious choice of Thai Curry or Chilli and people squeezed in under the marquees. It was as people were finishing their supper that the rain finally arrived. The benefit of Katie’s punch now became apparent. Despite the rain the punch fuelled party got underway with music provided by solo vocalist Aiesha Pease. Dancing was conducted mostly (or should that be moistly) under umbrellas and prizes were awarded for creatively carved pumpkins. Martin Makey’s fine pumpkin creation did not win a prize but stood out for its originality and was much admired.

An interval for dessert, and still it rained. By this time the rain was beginning to get annoyingly persistent and the effects of the punch were waning. When the entertainment was cut short due to dampness in the electrics the party was all but over. Everyone had once again enjoyed famous Dragon hospitality despite the most challenging conditions and there are photos of people smiling to prove it.

The perfect preparation for a three race mini series on Sunday. Rob Campbell won all three races but he did have an unfair advantage…..he was not able to come to the party and had no doubt had not achieved the same level of fuzziness as his competition!