The 2017 Hartlepool Marina Festival took place at the end of May at the Jacksons Wharf pub. Building on the success of last year's event the schedule saw more participants from across the Marina getting involved with the activities. This year saw a mix of swim, power and sail with a wide variety of watersport activities. The Marina On Water Training team organised and excellent day and the sun shone for most of it, apart from a few showers!
In the morning an open swim took place under the guidance of the Trigma team with a number of swimmers taking the plunge into the water. The temperature was a pleasant 17c, so not too bad for the time of year! Paddle board taster sessions were also going on with the on water team as the swimmers were going round.
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| Swimmers take the plunge in front of HMS Pickle |
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| Paddle Boarders take to the water |
HMS Pickle arrived earlier in Jackson dock to the roar of her guns firing across the water as she cruised round the circuit. She was followed by a number of craft from the berth holders who tied up on the dock side to watch the action. At 1pm there was a boat parade with all the craft present circuiting the dock in procession.
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| Boat Parade |
Following this there were demonstrations from jet skis, fly boards, waterski and wakeboard and the sea cadets. Sonnie Bean took to the water to demonstrate his fly boarding skills that have landed him with the European title. Alongside was Jason Bleasdale showing his excellent skills on the jetski. Sonnie even managed to come alongside HMS Pickle and take a pint in his hand to quench his thirst! He was assisted with great skill on the throttle by Rachael Forster of the On water team.
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| Sonnie Bean on board and Rachel Forster on throttle |
After the fly board and jet ski, Hartlepool water sports association gave a short display of waterski and knee board behind the marina's Thunder cat. There is just enough power to get going, but once up to speed the skiing and boarding is much easier. Mac did an admirable job on the throttle giving a steady pull.
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| Waterski with Hartlepool Water sports association |
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| Kneeboard with Hartlepool Water sports association |
The RNLI Lifeboat was also on hand to give a brief display having been on a shout in the afternoon.
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| RNLI Lifeboat - Hartlepool |
Apart from the demonstrations there were stalls on the quayside for On water Training, Trigma water sports, RNLI, Orcel Navigation and Hartlepool Water sports Association.
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On Water training stand
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Orcel Navigation and Hartlepool Watersports Association
The RNLI stand had lots of tasty items to keep people going!
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| RNLI stand |
Thanks must go to the On water team for organising such an enjoyable day and all those that made it happen and a success. The event can only grow on the success it has and encourage people to get involved in a wide range of water sports available in the marina.
Thanks also to Anne Madge for the photographs!
#HartlepoolMarina #OnWaterTraining #trigma #OrcelNavigation #HartlepoolWatersportsAssociation #RNLI #Jacksons Wharf
