Rain doesn't stop play!

Terrific turn out for Portrush Raft Race

ONCE again the weather didn’t put off the intrepid teams who took to the sea at the West Strand in Portrush for Raft Race 2010.

A grand total of 89 rafts took part - there would have been 90 entrants if the team from Antrim Fire Station hadn’t broken down on the way.

Apart from all that, the atmosphere and the craic was terrific. The rafters refused to let the rain and clouds dampen their exuberance and the BBC’s Gerry Kelly and Alan Simpson helped the day go with a zing!

The usual false start happened - well it wouldn’t be Raft Race if somebody didn’t go off before the maroon and start everyone else off.

The stewards tried to stop the stampede but to no avail as the West Strand thundered to the sound of 534 feet rampaging toward the sea.

Turktanic was first across the line with the GB a close second and Specsavers bringing up the rear. The PSNI scooped the award for Best Raft.

The final total of money raised for Portrush Lifeboat Station looks as though it might surpass previous years.

On Sunday, the sun shone for the Service of Thanksgiving and the all new Waiters’ Race.

Waiters from the Anchor Bar, The Wine Bar, Coast, The Wine Bar, Royal Portrush and Rogues tackled an obstacle course and then had to complete tasks to take the title.

The Beach Volleyball was very exciting and fast paced and the younger people certainly enjoyed that.

The Raft Race committee would like to thank all the rafters and helpers and the Causeway Spar Retail Group for their continued sponsorship.

Here’s to next year - the 30th anniversary of the Portrush Raft Race!

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