How the rally came about has already been documented on the 'About Us' page. The first rally took place in 1990 and twenty boats attended from all over the country. It was interesting to note that at that rally over half the boats broke down. Never-the-less the rally was a success and formed a firm foundation for the future and the rally has been held each year since. After the first rally the number of entrants gradually grew to an average of 35 boats. A number of entrants from abroad also attended including a group from Italy in 1995. Regular entrants continue to be Alain and Martine Bocquet who travel most years from France trailing their boat (and some years even brought the 'rally' wine!) Other overseas entrants have come from France, Holland and Italy over the years.
A colour rally brochure is prepared each year and mailshotted to interested parties. A copy of the brochure can be viewed on this website.
The rally is usually run from Friday morning to Monday lunchtime. The programme and visits around the lake vary from year to year but in general is constructed as follows:
Friday
Morning - Arrive, launch your boat and ensure it is running OK
Afternoon - Short boat journey to a location on the lake for tea and cakes
Evening - Themed Supper followed by Quiz
Saturday
Morning - Prepare your boat for the day
Afternoon - Journey around the lake stopping off for an ice-cream and visiting a picturesque location for a cream tea
Evening - Prize giving followed by Dinner, Raffle and Dance
Sunday
Morning - Short boat trip for morning coffee and biscuits possibly with the option of a walk
Afternoon - Sausage BBQ lunch, classic cars visit, Concours d' Elegance parade followed by Presentation of Concours trophy
Evening - Club Buffet Dinner
Monday
Morning - Time for a quick boat trip possibly for morning coffee down the lake followed by boat retrieval and 'good-byes'.
More details of the Rally are documented in the rally brochure.
For a pdf version of the rally entry form please click here, or alternatively contact us on: info@bcmbr.com