They all deserved a medal, and they all got one!

The sun shone and bathtubs rejoiced as the fantastic flotilla set sail in Littlehampton harbour last Sunday in aid of Chestnut Tree House.

A crowd of hundreds flocked to the river bank and bathed in glorious sunshine as the colourful creations did battle on the Arun, joined by a Dutton Commander, the only amphibious car in production.

River conditions were ideal, aside from a slight headwind on the return journey which proved no obstacle to First Overall race winners ‘BAM a Lam a Ding Dong Trolls’ (Chris Headon and Mark Christiansen) from BAM Nuttall civil engineers. They took a dunking courtesy of the wash from a passing speed boat but romped home to a decisive victory.

Second overall despite a broken oar and winners of the Best Dressed trophy were ‘Indians’ Gary and Nikki Cooke. They were resplendent in war paint and their vessel sported a tipi decorated with colourful hand prints done by the couple’s children, a totem pole and a camp fire, fortunately not lit during the race.

The Best Designed and First Multi Crew trophies went to team ‘Hula 1’ for their Caribbean themed twin hull design with two tubs side by side. Grass skirts, floral garlands and a solar powered dancing hula girl provided the finishing touches.

First Ladies were ‘Christmas Elves’ Angela Brewer and Jodie Brewer with a tinsel and bauble bedecked craft named ‘122 days to go!!’

The Wooden Spoon was very decisively won by ‘Cowboys’ (as in builders) Nigel Cooke and Sarah Watson. They decided to let the current do the work and stopped for several ‘sun bathing breaks’ on an epic voyage lasting an incredible two and a half hours!! They, err, romped home to the musical accompaniment of ‘Bob the Builder – Can you fix it?’ from DJ Erik!

A special award for their sponsorship of the event and great assistance in enabling it all to happen went to the ‘19^th Hole’ boat of BAM Nuttall civil engineers Gareth White and Sam Spiller.

I imagine the Germans wish they hadn’t bothered with the World Cup after seeing the size of the trophies at The Incredible Arun Bath Tub Race. The trophies went to:

FIRST OVERALL

BAM a Lam a Ding Dong Trolls

BAM Nuttall civil engineers

Chris Headon. Mark Christiansen

Second overall and winner of BEST DRESSED TUB/CREW

Indians

Gary Cooke. Nicky Cooke

BEST DESIGN and FIRST MULTI CREW (more than 2 crew)

Hula 1

Rupert Coler. Charlotte Coler. Stuart Sellors. Lyndsey Burton

FIRST LADIES

122 Day to go!!

Angela Brewer. Jodie Brewer

WOODEN SPOON (Last home under own power)

The Cowboys

Nigel Cooke. Sarah Watson.

The huge crowd and glorious weather really added to a very colourful day giving it a great carnival atmosphere. I have organised this event since 2002 and am proud to be keeping such a quirky typically British event alive. Long may it continue.

Here are some reminders of the day, but look out for a large gallery of great photos coming soon.

Martin Harvey

Event Organiser.