Fareham Raft race enjoys best ever year

Flour bombs, water balloons and participants soaking the hundreds in the crowd.
The Castle in the Air team (161211-1)The Castle in the Air team (161211-1)
The Castle in the Air team (161211-1)

While it’s safe to say that the Oxbridge boat race does not need to worry, the event at Fareham Waterfront, produced an great entertainment for all involved and also raised vital funds for two local charities.

The race, organised by Fareham Rafters with the aid of the Castle In The Air Pub, had its best turn out for several years and helped support The Rainbow Centre and Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service – two charities which rely on donations from the public.

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Gary Payne, from the Fareham Rafters, said: ‘Nobody quiet knows how many years this event has been going on for.

The Castle in the Air team (161211-1)The Castle in the Air team (161211-1)
The Castle in the Air team (161211-1)

‘It’s all about the taking part and has been a smashing day and we’ve raised money for two great causes.

‘We had 16 rafts enter this year, compared with eight 12 months ago and it really has started picking up.’

The winner of the competition was Team Space Raft.

The best-looking boat of the competition went to The Wally Whales’ Flower Power vessel. The team of friends all dresses in 1920s swimwear for the race the boat was built by Derek Sherwood.

The 2016 Fareham Raft Race. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161211-5)The 2016 Fareham Raft Race. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161211-5)
The 2016 Fareham Raft Race. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161211-5)
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He said: ‘It is a beautiful boat for my beautiful team. It is all about having a good time and raising money for a good cause.’

Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Connie Hockley, said: ‘This is a fantastic event and very British. I’ve known about it for a long time but haven’t came down and I’m glad to have done so.’

Lucy Rumming, fundraiser for The Rainbow Centre, said: ‘The money we receive will be a great help and we are so grateful for every penny.’

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