35th annual Great Waterside Raft Race raises over £4,000 for the Hythe and Calshot RNLI

FIREFIGHTERS taking part in the annual Great Waterside Raft Race had to literally abandon ship after they were called to an emergency incident midway through the event.

The crew from Hythe fire station were participating in the ‘formula one’ race at Hythe marina on Sunday when one of the RNLI boats on standby had to tow them ashore so they could rush to the callout.

Now in its 35th year, the popular event is organised by and raises funds for by RNLI Hythe and Calshot.

This year there were 18 rafts with more than100 crew competing for trophies and medals.

Spectators crowded into the marina while others watched from Prospect Place and the pier.

The winners of the ‘decorated’ race was team Hythe Alive, while the ‘formula one’ race and ‘ladies’ race was won by team Maggie May.

In the ‘pub’ race, team Ebby’s came first while the ‘kayak’ race, held for the first time last year, saw Darren and Sarah Ashmore take first place for the second time.

The final ‘big race’ was won by Floaty McBoat Float, which also won the trophy for ‘most ingenious’.

The Drunken Trainer won the trophy for ‘best presented’, while Ebby’s also won the Ashmore Cup for ‘best overall effort’.

Speaking after the event, RNLI spokesperson Dan Poole said: “It was yet another superb effort, from competitors to helpers alike, and we were absolutely delighted with the turnout, especially with the women’s world cup final on the same day.

“With 18 rafts competing, it is many years since we last had so many.

“There was a great atmosphere and I think people were just glad to get out and enjoy themselves.”

He added the small team of volunteers worked “tirelessly” to ensure it went to plan.

“Special thanks must go to our raft race secretary Colin Thompson, who has been promoting the raft race, as well as our cause in general, daily for several months on the raft race Facebook page he set up”.

Visitors to the event could also enjoy fairground rides, refreshments and stalls, including a ‘spin to win’ game hosted by main sponsor TMT Legal Services.

A raffle was also drawn by New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis, before winners were awarded their trophies and medals.

This year the event has so far raised just under £4,000, with sponsorship still to come.

Dan added: “The branch would like to thank sponsors, volunteers, and competitors for all their hard work and kind support, not forgetting the many spectators for their continued generosity.”

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