St Ives Harbour raft race promises a very soggy Sunday

Somewhere in St Ives this week, people are lashing barrels to planks and calling it a boat. It can only mean one thing.

The St Ives Charity Raft Race is back on the water this weekend, and the harbour is about to fill with homemade craft, questionable engineering and a good deal of splashing. It runs on Sunday 16 August, all for a good cause, and there is still time to build something and take part.

Chaos afloat at the harbour

The action takes over St Ives Harbour at 7pm on Sunday 16 August, organised by St Ives Pilot Gig Club. Expect an evening of cheering, splashing and a fair few questionable raft-building decisions.

Alongside the racing there are jelly bombs, a mermaid competition and, as the organisers put it, plenty of wonderfully chaotic raft racing. Whether you are climbing aboard a raft or watching from the harbour wall, it is built to be a fun night out.

The prizes worth building a raft for

There are some tempting prizes on offer through the raft race and charity raffle. They include a £100 voucher for any Tiger Lily boat trip, a 45-minute private Kiln Sauna voucher, a chef’s counter experience for two at Ardor, and a voucher for Porthmeor Beach Café, with more besides.

How to enter, or just come and cheer

Entry is £30 per raft, and the organisers say it is never too late to get building. To take part, message the gig club or email [email protected].

If building a raft feels like a stretch, the harbour wall is free and the cheering is welcome. Bring your friends and your best cheering voice, and keep an eye out for some very soggy sailors.

St Ives Pilot Gig Club is a registered charity, number 1202765. Entries stay open right up to the day, so there is still time to hunt down a few barrels.