Thames Traditional Festival

Henley on Thames – Sunday 17th July 2022

My problem is that I’m fascinated by old things and new things and things of wonder and beauty.  I guess, like houses, we like the old ones because over a period of time there’s been a collective decision by our forebearers to maintain the good ones and knock down the dross.  The same is true of boats and there were some splendid examples of beautifully maintained traditional boats very much in the prime of their lives.

The difficulty with new things is that we’re still collectively making our mind up as to what is good and what is bad.  So, we’ve got to do it ourselves.  It’s a tough job.

The electric boats are not new but the technology that is available to them today is becoming more affordable and reliable. 

 

I took a lot of photographs but my favourite by far is the one showing the electric boat section with the AVRO Lancaster flying above.  I don’t know about you, but I get emotional when I hear the roar of those Merlin engines.  Equally, I get the same feeling when I’m travelling along in utter silence on an electric boat, and I hear cuckoos calling.  I guess I’m contrary.

I don’t know if I can call the Lancaster beautiful, but they are without a question of doubt, magnificent, and maybe I need to add this word into my lexicon to describe some electric boats.

It was fabulous to meet Julian Grimwade and Graham Knight on Golden Butterfly and Tilly respectively.  Sad to have missed Charles and Barbara Lyne on Malaya.  It was great to catch up with Jenny Landamore again who was exhibiting the Mayfly 16 and the Mayfly 21 at the show.  Also, good to see Bray Marine offering a dayboat with an electric e-propulsion outboard.

And just for fun, here’s a few other photos from this eclectic festival for those of you who are fascinated by the old, the new, the beautiful and the magnificent too.

Hopefully see you there next year,

Tim Knox, Secretary

 

 

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