Beaten by a Man in a Bathtub

Hawaiian outrigger racing canoe technology ruled once again at the 2009 North Queensferry Raft Race, part of the annual Gala festivity. Ginger-wigged defending champion Olivier saw off once again his over-designed opposition.

First to launch, he had time to relax by sitting on a nearby inflatable while his rivals took to the water.

I had (misplaced) confidence in this three-man-power double outrigger raft. Sleek and stylish, it looked invincable.

The two-man luxury model, complete with catering facilities on the quarter-deck, was clearly hampered by its parasol on this breezy day. Out of shot, the bathtub was being bailed out following ungentlemanly action by the crew of the double outrigger.

Having deposited its crew and catering facilities in the river, the luxury raft needed some hasty modifications before the race could get underway.

Once the race started, there was no stopping the bathtub. Light and fast, it skittered out to the old jetty and back again, leaving its rivals plodding, despite their superior manpower.

PS: Thank goodness for mobile phones. Never a proper camera around when you most need it.