So what is different about the Athene Cup?

It is not really like the sort of racing one gets on Barton Broad. Probably the same people were taking part and the normal sailing rules apply.

It is a trip up and down three stretches of water in a relaxed friendly competition from a central point. The organisers are quite specific about the course.

How far competitors travel from the central point depends a bit on the wind, the weather and what time everyone wants to get home.

I noticed that a number of old friends appeared – one of them in a Tiger Moth – sadly he wasn’t about to take part this year.

There are the usual hazards of course

but the scenery on the river is much more varied than one finds on somewhere like Barton Broad.

Competitors seemed even more jolly than usual and even the safety boat crew appeared to be on form.

This year the sunshine made such a difference. The Autumn light was fantastic and there were few complaints about the cold – but what else can you expect in October!

It was a good last outing for the Norfolk Punts before their owners started to consider taking them out of the water for the winter.

My thanks to those who took part – to those who agreed to ferry me around and for those who supplied the cake and things at the end.