Dressed overall

The new gearbox was fixed and working by lunchtime thanks to the hard work and excellent service by RHP Marine of Cowes. Restored to full power, but with her owner somewhat poorer, Bonita motored the few hundred yards down the river Medina to join dozens of other gaff rigged boats. The next few days of varied activities and entertainments will form the culmination of the OGA 50th anniversary celebrations and the end of the Round Britain Challenge. 

Most of the boats are dressed overall with code flags and the overall effect of hundreds of multicoloured flags fluttering in the breeze was very striking and must have impressed any casual visitors that something special was going on.

The pictures show cousin George Beckett on Young  Alert, which I used to own and which George has restored and sails fearlessly. He has just returned from a single handed trip to Guernsey. 

Also here is Sian and Ant's boat Mary Louise.This is the first time our three boats have been together in the same port.

In the evening the refined air of Cowes was enlivened by suitable festivities at the Open Mic evening.