The Otters in Hamburg 3 Oct 2007

After a much needed sleep on the plane we were met at Hamburg airport by Sam and Jerome and whisked off to the sailing club to meet the rest of our Piraten hosts, followed by lunch at a parent’s house. The weather was foul, raining very heavily, but luckily we were inside eating, drinking and chatting in a lovely house close to Lake Alster. This was followed by an evening’s bowling with shot putt/bowler Dom Wood-Hill still on good form. Tourist tip – yes, apparently the food at bowling alleys is as bad in Germany as it is over here!

The next day we were met at the Sailing Club by the Piraten Commodore Benedict (aka Gareth Gates) for a day of match racing in J22s, which sadly we narrowly lost. After a barbeque at the club we headed into Hamburg town with our hosts.

After more J22 racing on Sunday morning we presented the Piraten with some tokens of our visit and then were taken to the airport where we said our thanks and goodbyes to our hosts and swapped email addresses. It was good to hear during the weekend that the Piraten had really enjoyed their visit to Burnham and that they had told every one what a great place Burnham and the RCYC is.

A good time was had by all, and it was good to renew our friendship with the Alster Piraten.

PS Saw the parents periodically, they seemed to be enjoying it!