Boat enthusiasts from around the world flock to see another record breaking Traditional Boat Festival – Henley on Thames Oxfordshire

Boat Enthusiasts from around the world witness another  record breaking - Trad Boat Festival in Henley on Thames Oxfordshire

Steam boats, Dunkirk Little Ships, canoes, skiffs, amphibious cars and the Royal Barge Gloriana were all on show at the Trad Boat Festival at the weekend thanks to a group of wonderful boat enthusiasts. Despite the rainy start on Friday, big crowds enjoyed the sunshine and all the sights over the rest of last weekend at Fawley Meadows.

The parade of Dunkirk Little Ships is always a lovely spectacle to be seen and amazing to think that the 30-40 feet boats carried 70/80 soldiers each and went back 2/3 times in Operation Dynamo in 1940. L’Orage boat led the 15 boat parade, originally owned by TV presenter, Raymond Baxter who formed the Dunkirk Little Ship Association in 1966. After putting an advert in the Times the year before to mark the 25th anniversary, 43 Little Ships made a historic journey back across the channel to commemorate their epic voyage.

The oldest Victorian steamer, Alaska offered visitors a ride up the Regatta Course and Henley Reach.

The beautiful Royal Barge, Gloriana also returned this years, with different crews and each of the 18 rowers pulling half a tonne! The 92 foot barge was commissioned for the Jubilee River Pageant of 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and was built by 60 craftsmen in just 19 weeks! Lucky winners of the raffle which was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support got the ticket for a trip on board the regal boat.

The amphibious boats bring a smile to everyone’s faces – with many looking like they might have to bail out as they lie so low in the water. Lyndon Yorke from Henley is often seen in one of his on the Henley Reach. His Tritania eclectic boat built around a 1930s electric bathchair, complete with bubble machine and gramophone player was our favourite of the show.

The Festival isn’t just about boats though – there were air displays, classic cars, old bicycle parades, music, a dog show, vintage stalls, plenty of places to eat and drink plus new for this year was a Grand Boaters’ Challenge Tug of War.

There was more eclectic wizardry on land too. Henley resident and TV presenter Edd China brought his motorised sofa along for the ride to the delight of the crowds and Chair of the Trad Boat Festival Lady Judy McAlpine.

We also loved Berylla, a 1935 aluminium speed boat which zoomed up and down the course. The commentator informed the crowds that it has just two speeds – stop or fast! The driver made it look easy though.

Unfortunately one of the main attractions, the Royal Navy 1916 CMB9, the motor torpedo boat was unable to make the festival due to the owner having a serious fall and ending up in hospital.

Lady Judy said, “When I was asked to save the TRAD, I had a vision of how it ought to be…and this year I saw that vision fulfilled. We had some last-minute fall-outs, like the MTB but it looked good, it felt good and to judge by the crowd, it was good! Next year will be even better.”

The competition for the trophies is always hotly contended and this year was no exception.

Elfin was judged Best in the Show. Judge Adam Toop said, “Elfin is a truly stunning steam launch built in 1895 by Constable of Hampton. She was built to order for Mr J.W. Restler, the chief engineer at the Metropolitan Water Board, whose works built the original steam engine that she retains to this day. The immaculate restoration was completed by Peter Freebody & Co. Hurley, for Mr Roger Boyland.”