Porthmadoc Pilot Boat Race 2014

Saturday 13th September saw the fourth running of the Pilot Boat Race by Porthmadoc rowers.  The race format is slightly different every year though always looks to the maritime history of Porthmadoc for inspiration.  This year's entries had to follow a course from Borth y Gest taking their pilot SE towards Portmeirion and a rendezvous with a waiting smuggler on an isolated beach.  Here, coins had to be exchanged for booty freeing the  crew to race for the finish line.  As well as race prizes, a prize would be awarded for the best dressed crew - fancily attired for the period in question.

The Caernarfon crew of Angie, Elin, Pete, Malcolm and Mike would be rounded off by the inclusion of Pete Jones of Wiseman's Bridge rowing club in Elen 58.  All seemed to get the period dress about right though how Malcolm ended up as the 'Camp Captain' is anyone's guess.

A Porthmadoc crew readying for the parade to Borth y

Gest and the race start

In all nine boats had entered, a slightly disappointing number given all the work Porthmadoc had put into organising the event.  Nevertheless, all looked colourful and splendid on their 10 minute parade from the harbour to Borth y Gest for the start. With all boats lined up facing out, pilots lined up for the sprint start to their waiting boats - once pilots were on board, crews could start.

At midday the race was underway with a very tight field streaming out from Borth y Gest behind a RIB that would lead and show the way.

The view forward from Elen 58

And the view behind

The field remained tight for some time with our rowers sat in the middle of the field in 5th place.  Having slipped to 6th, our rowers seized an opportunity at a buoy turn and punished some very sloppy coxing to regain 5th.  Soon it was time to hit the beach, exchange chocolate coins for an empty (bah!!) beer barrel and race for home.  In the excitement of the exchange our crew failed to notice the random naked rambler on the shore though his presence would provide no end of amusement over post-race beer.  Elen 58 held her own and managed to finish in 5th place back at Borth y Gest.

Content with 5th place, all our rowers had to do was row back into Porthmadoc, enjoy Porthmadoc Rowers' hospitality and groan heavily at not winning anything in the raffle!

Thanks again to Porthmadoc Club for a well-run and fun event.

 

Elen 58 and crew: Mike, Elin, Pete Jones, Angie, Pete King

and Malcolm

 

The Camp Sailor