LAUNCH DAY

On Sunday 2 october, 2011 some 100 guests, family, friends and others gathered at the boat shed in Troon Marina to witness the exciting conclusion to the Troon Boat Building Project.

 After an introduction from Vincent McWhirter,  Project Co- ordinator, good wishes and encouragement for the future were offered by Councillor Bill MacIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council.  Next to speak was Jim Donaldson who talked about the project on behalf of the team.  Alan Farrell also spoke and described how the oars were hand made out of solid wood. Vincent then introduced our Principal Sponsor Mr Boyd Tunnock who addressed the crowd with great enthusiasm for the project and with the help from Cameron Snow, who had chosen the winning name christened the boat  “MARR VOYAGER”  and duly doused the figurehead with a quaich of whisky. This was greeted with a great cheer and applause from the assembled crowd. The boat was then taken down to the slipway and launched to a great cheer from the large crowd. Marr Voyager was greeted in the water by “Chippy McNish”  from the Royal West of Scotland Rowing Club at Greenock and the  inshore lifeboat was in attendance. Iit was a truly splendid sight and made a great photo-opportunity for all concerned.  After a quick row around the inner marina by several of the build crew,  Marr Voyager was brought along side for a crew change and a different group of rowers took over, including three of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award young builders, who then took the boat for an extended row around the marina, after which the boat was returned to the boat shed to allow everyone another opportunity to view at close hand the craftsmanship attained by all involved.

A memorable day for everyone present but a very special day for every member of the building team.

 

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