The assembled motley of the HBBR witnessed the launch this afternoon of the second new built members boat in as many weeks.

The Thames “Raid” – really just an excuse for a jolly boating jape over the course of the next week culminating at the Beale Park Boat Show - was the occasion for the launch and maiden voyage of “Octavia”, member Chris Waite’s diabolically clever conversion of three sheets of ancient B&Q ply that had been languishing in his ’shed’ for an indeterminate time into a seriously good looking rowing skiff. A very great deal of clever thinking has gone into Chris’s design for this boat – and it shows.

Briefly, the single malt left over from the Barton jolly was duly poured over the bow accompanied by a few suitable words from her builder. Fellow members then gently eased ‘Octavia’ into the Thames and Chris took a couple of turns up and down the river before bringing her back on land and started addressing the conversion of ‘Octavia’ into sleeping quarters for the night. Oh and the best bit – she is held together by a few lengths of string!

As usual – click on thumbnail to view full image

Builder, Chris Waite christening ‘Octavia’ with a suitable dram.

‘Octavia’ kisses the water for the first time assisted by the HBBR Raiders

It does what it is supposed to

A lovely backend

Conversion from boat to shelter

Octavia as overnight accomodation