January 1st, 2012
Poole Bath Tub Race is an annual event held at Poole Quay on New Years Day. It is a race for teams with home made craft, made out of old bath tubs. The teams race between Customs house steps and Fisherman's steps. This year, it was held at slack water, about 11am.
This year the MVS had 2 members competing amoung the 50 odd strong who enter, Paul Smith and a friend making up the official MVS entry, and Rich Hills joing the infamous Jenkins Marine team. Paul's raft turned out to be a very sea worthy vessel and refused to give way despite several attempts to sink it. Rich's raft had no less than 10 baths, powered by propoer rowing blades generously donated by Poole Rowing Club for the occasion.
Even before the start, it's considered fair play to try and sink other competitors rafts, and there are quite a few that don't need much help with that!! Flower and water bombs are used between the teams to attack and defend against rivals.
The MVS entries were both strong contenders, and avoided any pre race sinking attempts. both Rich and Paul's teams thoroughly enjoyed the racing, finishing very respectable 2nd and 4th. However, judging is strict, and unfortunately both were disqualified after for having not made their own paddles.
After the race, rich and team Jenkins Marine (confident in their mighty vessel) attempted to row back to the yard next to the RoRo ferry, unfortunately confidence was misplaced, and they sunk next to Stakes Buoy. Luckily a small workboat was on hand with a crane to recover the boat and crew, all eager to rturn next year and champions!!