BCC – Annual Boat
Trip, Sunday, 2nd September, 2007
Not even darkening clouds, a
strengthening breeze and a choppy Bosphorous could deter more than 70
enthusiastic adults and children from the annual BCC Boat Trip last
Sunday.
At 10.30am our Lufer pulled
from its mooring heading to Beylerbeyi where yet more eager passengers
awaited collection.All were welcomed on board by our cordial host and
Chairman Simon Cole, supported by Keith Smith, Andrew Walters and
Claudia Turgut.
Full to the gunnels we headed
further up the Bosphorous giving views of the shoreline not often seen
or appreciate while guests enjoyed drinks and cordial conversation
intertwined with the laughter of excited and high spirited children..
Around lunchtime our captain
steered into a secluded beach cove where the more daring were able to
take a dip in the warm water of the Bosphorous. There were not so many
takers and in true English fashion, as everyone assembled on the lower
deck for the 3 course lunch, the heavens opened.
It was a lovely setting,
reminiscent of a Scottish loch. The wind blew, the rain fell and a
mysterious mist decended as fruit was served and the eagerly awaited
raffle draw got underway. Amidst heckling and cries of ‘fix’ the winners
were announced. Everyone was keen to win one of the generous prizes
donated by our sponsors. The main attraction was the first prize of two
return tickets to London, kindly donated by easyJet.
Raffle proceedings over and the
congregation in satisfied and relaxed mood, we pulled away to head
further north toward the Black Sea. As if to order, the skies cleared,
the sun came through and everyone took to the upper deck as our captain
steered into the harbour at the cozy little village of Poyrazköy. Here
we moored and were able to disembark and find our land legs, take a
stroll and visit local cafes for tea, coffee & cake.
Sightseeing over, and back on
board basking in the warm early autumn sunshine, we chugged leisurely
back to Bebek. It was a memorable day complimented to pefect effect by
the elements. Our thanks go to generous Sponsors Vatan Computers and
easyJet and all those involved in the organisation of the trip. It
should not be missed next year!
Keith Smith
