Throughout the week there were numerous activities, including bands performing on a stage on the harbour, parades, food events, concerts, fish auctions and, of course, a floral dance.
Fish Festival stalls
However, the one event that really grabbed my attention was the trawler, or more accurately fishing boat racing. It consisted of a handicapped race around buoys placed in the bay. The local fishing boats were dressed overall and packed with friends and family all having a great time. There was the usual winners prize and also a prize for the "best dressed boat".
Dressed Overall
Complete with sponsorship
The weather whilst were in Cornwall was dry and bright, but the day of the boat racing a sea fret came in and visibility was very poor. The foghorn on the harbour wall sounded all morning. The race was postponed until the afternoon when the mist lifted.
Testing Visability
The racing was quite exciting even viewed from the land but being handicapped it was very difficult to establish who were the leaders. Turning around the buoys was a cut throat bussiness with nobody giving way without a fight. Amongst the entrants were the usual array of different size fishing boats and some visiting classic lifeboats. They looked particularly great. Apart from their design it was difficult to tell that they were not currently commissioned. A close examination by binoculars revealing the tell-tale "former RNLI lifeboat .." was the give away.
Waiting for the start
Negotiating a buoy
Not much freeboard! - note the classic lifeboat in the background.
Lots of flags
We had a great time over the week. We can recommend Mevagissey and its Feast Week. We shall try and come again, and if so, at the same time.
