‘A fantastic day for all’


The Great Cornish Raft Race, organised by Looe Boat Owners Association in aid of the RNLI, took place as part of the Looe Festival by the Sea, a colourful event which saw the port bursting at the seams with hundreds of visitors attending.


The race doubled the number of entries from last year to 27 in total, of which six were in the children’s class.


The Great Cornish Raft Race attracted crowds of visitors. Pictures: Chris Bowden


In calm weather conditions and a neap tide, the revised course kept the event in the town. The spectators lined up along the quaysides and on the bridge, cheering on their teams as the rafts made their way up and down the harbour.


Organiser Dave Peat said: ‘This was a fantastic day for all, both on and off the water, and we have already started the planning for next year’s event.’


Dishing up paella at the Old Sail Loft.


Almost £900 was raised for Looe RNLI and more came from other Looe RNLI fundraising events on the day.


The Looe Boat Owners Association special award went to The Lush Lushes,


the only all-women team who managed to finish under pressure from other competitors.


Results, adults: 1 Spladoosh, 2 Wavy Wonders, 3 Globe Trotters. Children: 1 Dirty Hand Prints, 2 SJ’s, 3 Sea Scouts 2.


Other events at the Festival by the Sea weekend included the ever-popular Grazing on the Quay, where visitors could sample the best of local food and drink.


That included spicy fish tacos from Nick Barclay at Blue Plate, Downderry, Barclay House’s Fowey river mussels, the Old Sail Loft’s renowned festival fishcakes, spicy crab balls from Nipper Shellfish and a fish barbecue from Pengellys Fishmongers.


‘It is a great showcase for Looe and the young chefs who work in the town,’ said Edwina Hannaford, who helped the Old Sail Loft’s Michelle Sadler organise the event.


‘We had happy, smiling faces and it shows the link between the sea and the restaurants.’


Margaret Fiddik and Roger Bennett


Nick Barclay, Iain Shillito & Brett Simons


Rafters battle it out for the honours!


Air sea rescue display in full view of Looe beach.


Action from the great raft race in the harbour. LOOE NEWS AUGUST 2011 13


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