September 20th 2009

 Great Yarmouth Duck Races 2009.

The tenth Annual great Yarmouth Haven Duck races took place at The Waterways, Great Yarmouth under a somewhat cloudy sky with a strong northerly wind. This year one of the few occasions where the course had to be set up from North to South. Many thanks to Selwood Pumps for their expertise in making the water flow and also for helping Alan Spinks, David Neve, Terry Ashbourne, Alan Carman ,Ian Thomson and others for setting up the course early in the morning for the afternoon events starting at 2pm.

Norman Bailey as previous years did a grand job of organising and selling more ducks on the day despite having to work under restrictive cover of Ted Wittons car ! The wind was too strong for the flimsy marquee.

Once again the Mayor of Great Yarmouth , Mr Tony Smith and his wife, started the races with the ever present compeer Richard Delf on the "mike" with an exciting commentary.

Three races again this year , with Duck master Alan Spinks as usual making sure there were no stragglers or lame ducks. David Neve ( also in the water ) was at the finish to judge the order of the winning ducks.

Gorleston Model Boat members were also showing their model boats and skill at manoeuvring them in the choppy waters of the waterways.

Thanks go to all the Haven members that helped on the day and the International Committee for the work leading up to the day's event.  Special mention for The St Johns Ambulance in attendance, Potters Leisure Resort for supplying two Lifeguards and Ian McCreadie and his Company for all the work in supplying the duckrace cards and banners.

Results of races to appear below shortly....

Thanks to Bill Cooke and Samphao Spinks for taking the photos !