Seafarers Festival spirits high, but not dry

NUMBERS were down but spirits were high at the rain-soaked Seafarers Festival.

Seafarers Festival

NUMBERS were down but spirits were high at the rain-soaked Seafarers Festival yesterday.

Organiser Heather Chong said the small crowd who braved the elements at Bellerive Boardwalk had a great time.

“The weather last year was phenomenal. We just couldn’t pull it off this year,’’ she said.

But none of the many stallholders and entertainers baled out of the popular annual waterside event.

“The conditions didn't seem to dampen anyone’s spirits,” Mrs Chong said. “At least it wasn't windy.”

Ronan Jacobs, 11, of Hobart, competes in the milk bottle boat race for Clarence Seascouts. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Homemade paper boats were wet before they made it into the water, and Sinbad’s sea monster snaked its way through an umbrella-carrying crowd.

Last year’s festival was held in near-perfect conditions.

“We have started praying for next year,’’ Ms Chong said.