On a night of sporting celebration, 80 members and their guests gathered at the Royal Beacon Hotel, not for tea and crumpets, but for the annual Exe PowerBoat & Ski Club (EPBSC) awards night, writes Mark Hayward.
Buckle up, landlubbers, 'cause this night was full of twists, turns, and more trophies than a pirate's booty.
Mark Sansom, our fearless MC (without a microphone), steered the ship while awards rained down like hailstones on a stormy race. Craig Temple-Murray, the Usain Bolt of boats (minus the lightning and fancy dance shoes), cleaned up the house, snatching the Single Seater (T850) trophy, Boxing Day Shield, and New Year's Day trophy like they were going out of style (spoiler: they're not).
His navigator for New Year’s Day, yours truly, Mark Hayward, probably deserved a co-pilot trophy for keeping Craig from steering into the sunset (or a rogue sea).
Other brave souls got their due, with trophies flying faster than a runaway jet ski for Boxing Day and New Year's Day runners-up. Lou Foa, the rally ace, snagged the Ken Soper/Brass Monkey trophy, proving everyone can be a winner (even if their nickname sounds like a mischievous monkey stole their award).
But wait, there's more!
The night wouldn't be complete without some side-splitting "mishaps." Malachy Browne received the "Early Bath" trophy for taking an impromptu swim (boat-induced), Drew Langdon grabbed the "Gear Box" trophy for his impressive collection of busted cogs, and Ben Corser, the undisputed king of "Bent Prop," earned his namesake award for a prop that looked like it tangoed with a rock.
Laughter wasn't the only thing flowing this night! A generous raffle with prizes fit for a pirate king (minus the scurvy) filled the club's coffers faster than a powerboat on nitrous.
Mark your calendars, landlubbers! The new season kicks off on April 17 with the Ken Soper/Brass Monkey trophy rally. Dust off your sea legs, because this duckpond ain't for the faint of heart (or easily seasick).
Remember, at the EPBSC, awards are just the tip of the iceberg. It's about camaraderie, crazy adventures, and maybe a few "bent prop" moments along the way. So, raise your grog, gin (or juice box) and join the fun! Disclaimer: No actual pirates or ducks were harmed during this event (probably).
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