Nordelph in pictures: 2009 Raft Race -- Adult 4-person race
The final race of the afternoon, the adult four-people rafts, was living wet proof that the more crew you have, the slower you go. Whether this is because each extra member brings to the event an advantage in their muscle power, and a disadvantage in the body weight that has to be moved and the disadvantage outweighs the advantage -- or whether it's simply that with four paddles, the raft is trying to go in five directions at once. Whatever, the best time in this heat (4m 52s) was a good 22 seconds slower than the winning two-person raft. But the four person race was perhaps more spectacular as generally everyone was in with a chance right up until the final yards.
The eventual winners, Team Red Bull seen below launching their raft, employed new sonic technology to distract their opponents (well, to be fair they didn't have time to use it until they'd crossed the line!) and carried cans of the eopnymous brew in case of emergency.
After a well fought race, Red Bull had just enough headway to be able to turn their raft (rather more skilfully than the Elvis's as they managed to stay afloat through this manoeuvre!) and watch the battle for the remaining places.
At the line, the silver medal was taken by 'lastminute.com' from the 'quakers' (that's what it says -- it might be 'quackers', but who knows!). Heroically coming in last was 'mystery machine' captained by the man who is most to blame -- sorry, be congratulated -- on the success of the day.
Andrew Marshall put an enormous amount into the organisation and turned up looking silly! We all want to thank him for what he's done, but perversely he wants to thank us:
Please could you add that I was so pleased with all the support, a big thank you to all concerned including all the spectators that turned out 200+ this really was amazing, I had some great emails, phone calls and people who stopped me in the street to say how fantastic the day had been, we raised £564.93. It was supported also by people selling, we had, cakes, jewellery, crafts, pictures, books, cards and tapestries not forgetting bowls, and a huge tombola, raffle, and BBQ.
As this was such a success I have already started planning the 2010 Raft Race and Fun Day for Sunday August 15th, also it has given so many people the inspiration to help me organise a New Years Eve party at the village hall.
2009 TWO PERSON ADULT EVENT >>
2009 FUN DAY >>