The 41st annual Paper Boat race was held at The Moat in Elstead on Sunday 28th June 2009. There were a record 25 entries from local people who had been preparing their boats for weeks beforehand to ensure they would stay afloat – not always successfully, much to the delight of the large crowd who turned out to watch.
Junior Winners - boat name - number of laps.
Shark Boat 32/3
Hoverski 31/2
Black Pig 31/2
Banana Boat 31/4
The Wet Box 22/3
Star Fish Enterprise 2
The lake, owned by English Nature, provided the perfect setting for the four childrens races and final adults race. Safety on the water was assured by volunteers Bob and Edward Derham, from Blackwater Valley Canoe Club. Thanks also go to A.J Tracy for providing a skip for soggy vessels.
Start heat 2
Adult Race
Sinking !
Money raised by the Paper Boat race goes to the local Guides and Brownies who help out at the village event. Helen Page, organiser, said ‘We are lucky to have such good support from local companies who sponsor the event, and it’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying this great Elstead tradition.
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