I have no idea what the judging criteria was as it seems that the organizers main focus was in getting all the competitors to race a sufficient number of times to sink most of them. I was minded of the concept of testing to destruction in order to ascertain quality of design. In truth it really didn’t take long for the limitations of some designs to be well and truly found out. We were given to understand that one particular tub hadn’t even been tested in terms of actually floating. I think it safe to say that actually putting it in the water turned out to be a step too far. Not a particularly welcome feature for something designed to be a water-borne method of transport. Still, from dry land at least it was a thoroughly experience watching others misfortunes. Particularly when the misfortunes were brought about in shall we say a planned fashion by other contestants.

As ever at this sort of do, I took an awful lot of pictures, here’s just a few…

Running as it does between the Solent and the old salt pans (now an RSPB sanctuary) it is truly one of my favourite places to go. I can’t help but de-stress when we go for a walk down there, regardless of weather. Good views across to the Island (no-one round here calls it the Isle of Wight) on a clear day and the constant procession of boats add to the feel-good factor for me. If you go down just before dusk the Whitelink ferries take on an almost magical quality as they pass each other brightly lit. In fact although it is perfectly pleasant on a hot summer day, standing on the wall with a stiff south westerly blowing and a storm on the way is something to be experienced. In fact there is one point where you can stand and lean into the wind a la Titanic. Best tried in a constant wind as there is a danger of an early bath if the wind suddenly drops.

GUIDES FROM AMAZON Pub Walks Along the Solent Way Pub Walks for the Family in Hampshire and the New Forest Pocket Pub Walks The New Forest Waterside Walks in Hampshire (Waterside walks) The New Forest National Park: Leisure Walks for All Ages (Jarrold Short Walks Guides) The Solent Cruising Companion

There may not be a beach, but there is the Lymington Yacht Haven. It’s not paradise, but if you like boats, it’s a great place to dream. With a yacht brokers right next to the moorings for hundreds of gleaming sail and motor boats, you get to realise how much some people have spent to get their small and not so small bits of marine real estate onto the water. Anyone looking to make a yacht-sized tax write-off, I’m in the market.

It’s been quite a strange autumn in the Forest with some trees showing spectacular colours and others not yet turned. I have some photos I took recently and intend to post them with a bit more info soon. So before I run the risk of an English Tourist Board award for promoting the area, I’ll quit whilst still ahead.