However, that was the fun bit! The most difficult and important part of the race is trying to raise as much money as possible for local community causes via the Rotary Club. We have been delighted with the response so far and many thanks to everyone that has either donated on line, or given cash – great work folks! However the pot is still open so if you haven’t had chance and would like to support us then please give the donate button a press! Thanks for reading and your ongoing brilliant support! Cheers Al n Steve, Team Dumbusters.

But then we had to get 13 boats back to Colwick marina, so we all paddled back en masse, helping out with locks and stuff and even some folk towing other canoes! On the plus side the lock keeper let us get 10 boats in one of the locks which was fun  But it was hard work – took us another 5 hours to get back and four canoes got towed by a couple of motor boats for the last bit. That’s almost 4 more hours’ paddling than last year. I think we were too tired to celebrate properly.

Blimey, it was hard work this year! Totally scorchio and easterly wind in face both days made for a tough race with a few folk struggling, a bit dehydrated and sunburnt. 14 boats set out, 13 finished, one or two folk had to retire/be replaced. We decided on Saturday night to finish the actual race at the Sunday half way , pony, as the predicted 38mph wind on the wide R Trent was a worry. So on Sunday lunch, after 10 hours of paddling, me n Steve finished a mere 10 mins (overall) in front of the runners up – Phew!