ANRC Rally 2008

Well as you would expect (after all it was Rally weekend) the weather proved interesting with gale force winds and torrential rain to contend with! This meant that apart from Saturday, all of the outdoor activities had to be reconvened inside the Marquee.  Notwithstanding this a good time was had by all and a very big well done to Middle Nene Cruising Club who coped admirably well in trying circumstances with a full alternate indoor itinerary.

The success of the rally was no doubt down to the months of hard work and planning by MNCC who worked tirelessly over the weekend and all the clubs present agreed that their hard work had paid off and the Rally was most professionally planned and handled.

Turning to OCC, a flotilla of some 10-12 boats represented the club at the Rally.  In addition, other club members visited the event by car to cheer on (their sometimes flagging) club mates throughout the various events, and a big thank you to all those who turned up to support the club.

OCC participated in every event and although we didn't come in the top 3 we did achieve 2 First places in key events that went towards the coveted Ruby Plate - firstly on Saturday afternoon, Harry, your Commodore got in touch with his feminine side and ably assisted by brother in law Glanmor, showed that he can decorate a cake with the best of them.  For those who don't already know, the rally theme this year was countries and OCC were elected to represent North America - hence the Stars and Stripes.

Keeping that theme in mind, OCC then went on to win the Best Decorated Boat event with a rather impressive model of a Riverboat Paddle Steamer. Without wishing to sing our own praises, the judges conceded it was the best boat by miles and this is obviously something of a "talent" area for OCC as our name will now be on the cup in 2 out of 3 years in which the event has taken place.  There were too many people involved to thank individually for the decorated boat, but we clearly have some real talent out there and this event demonstrated team work at its best.

Other events included -

It's a knockout - thanks for the laugh Fred and Anne Marie!

Rope throwing - well done Colin, Shirley and Fred Illuminated boat - great job team from Hills and Hollows Quiz - well done to our team who found themselves "volunteered" at very short notice Commodore's Challenge - least said the better!

and last - but definitely not least - the Concert Party........

Once again each club followed their nominated country and the evening was full of a variety of splendid costumes from Russia, China, Africa, India, Caribbean and not forgetting of course North America where cowboys mingled with Laurel and Hardy and the Blues Brothers and characters from Grease fraternised with King Kong and Saloon Girls.  All of the club turns were very entertaining and a good laugh was had by all.

A very big thanks to everyone who participated or supported OCC at the Rally and we look forward to the same involvement next year when our hosts will be Peterborough Cruising Club (PCC). 

PS:  Look out for "Miss Messy" and the oldest "child" at OCC!!!

Helen

Membership Secretary

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