Guys
Firstly, I'd like to say a massive 'thankyou' to those who put an enormous amount of effort into running the event, and giving us all a tremendous spectacle.
It was so refreshing to see all of the huge amount of passion and frankly some would say 'mad' efforts to get boats to the start line. B+Q must have never sold so many gazebos during one of the wetest Augusts, just so that race boats at Drivers could take some shelter from the rain, whilst engines were changed hours before the start.
Then let's get to the racing! I didn't see one boat that didn't look spectacular, from the old to the new, fantastic. You should all be very proud.
I am just so sad that we were not able to take part as we promised we would, but next year, when my knee's fixed, we will be there!!
Here's where I'd love to see some improvements, however, and I would like to say from the outset, that I am not pointing the finger at anyone, just my own observations to try and improve a few points ensuring that this race grows in popularity for the next 50 years.
I'd like to turn back the clock for a minute, way before my time, and for those of you haven't seen this, 'enjoy', it is superb.
There is one quote from the commentator at the beginning saying that "twenty six private aircraft" were following!
There is a huge marked difference, between then and now. For sure modern strains must bear most of the blame, but there are a few areas that we can look at that don't cost too much, that will bring this fantastic event to a much wider audience.
We still don't seem to have any results, provisional or final. Surely a temporary explanation could have been put up on the official site. Sitting up here in Oxfordshire, I would really like to know what frankly happened to everyone! Likewise, we don't have a list of entries for Sunday either. Doesn't really encourage those who have made the effort, paid the money, and will no doubt break something to run again!.There must be an easy way to pass on regular updates, maybe It would be easy to create a twitter feed, easily accessed via mobile phone, and not only could we have an update on a regular basis, feeding those interested with almost live commentary, but also a summary of the total race. There is a twitter link on the official site, but it doesn't seem to have been switched on.
We could even get a twitter 'run down' from each of the boats, after the race, ( or for those in comfy seats during!!) telling us about their 'interesting' moments, or best memories. Let's not 'close the shop' by only involving those already involved. Let's spread the word, and get more folk interested by making them feel involved!
Obviously video footage is the key. The waters yesterday were so dramatic that the footage would be remarkable, but where is it? Where will it be broadcast? If it takes time to edit or whatever, then at least, please tell us when we can expect it! Afterall, CastleAir's chopper was in the perfect place to film it! The only footage on youtube from 2009 is still only from 'My pleasure Two's' camera.
I'll tell you what I'll do. If we are unable to enter a boat and compete next year, I will volunteer to try and run a few of things that I have suggested, how's that?
I personally will remember a few key moments. The start of the cowes poole race, there was a black tubed rib (sorry, don't know who you were as there is no entry list), but you were running just ahead of us. Five times in a row, the boat went vertical, down on her transom, up vertical, transom, vertical. Just amazing, I hope you finished and enjoyed yourselves!
Then Vee and Gareth in Fury coming in across the finish. She looked fantastic, sounded awesum, and flew so level...(shame about your belt on Friday).
I have got some video footage, I will edit it as best as my rudimentary skills will allow and it will be posted!!
Well done again to everyone!
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