Pumpkin Racing Boats size up to Charity Challenge with Blue
by Alistair Meharg 17 Oct 2007 11:52 BST
20 October 2007
Giant pumpkins are to be raced down the Lymington River as part of an annual charity pumpkin racing regatta on Saturday 20th October at Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
Intrepid sailors which will include Blue Peter presenters Konnie Huq and Zöe Salmon will be racing the giant gourds to raise money to support the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
Once the giant pumpkins (that are weighing in this year at a staggering 1188lbs (450kgs)) have been hollowed out they will be lowered into the water. When they are deemed seaworthy they will be fitted with an outboard engine and be ready to race.
There was drama at last years race when ‘surveyors’ reported one pumpkin unseaworthy and refused to allow it to put to sea, however the other was cheered by hoards of passionate fans as it motored to victory.
The pumpkin racing regatta which is now in its third year is the brain child of master grower Ian Paton who displayed his produce at the Annual Pumpkin Festival at the Royal Victoria Country Park last weekend.
The fun will kick off at 0800 hours and continue for most of the morning.
Click here to see the report on last year's event on the BBC News Website.