Rain Did Not Stop the Fun
The Maritime Festival seems cursed with bad weather. Despite this,
however, the day was a great success and a large crowd enjoyed the
many attractions and spectacle of the boats and yachts bedecked with
bunting.
This is the fourth year, the first year was to celebrate 200 years
since Trafalgar and proved so much fun the Small Boat Owners decided
to make it an annual event.
Much fancy dress was evident, most with a Nelson or Pirate theme and
to attract those not so interested in the boating aspect of the event
3013 played and sang rousing popular music from a stage set up on
the westward side of the Strand Quay.
There is a special feeling at the Maritime Festival. Although there are many tourists having a look round it does seem that the preponderance of visitors to the Strand are locals. It was very noticeable last year and again this that Rye people were meeting and greeting old friends they had not seen for years. It had the feel of the old time Sports Days on the Cricket Salts. This was an event well worth the visit, good music, lots of colour, loads of attractions and a real ‘gathering of the clans’ what more could you want?