Details of the IWA Awards normally presented at their Annual National Trailboat Festivals
You will find below background details of the various IWA awards, together with the entry requirements and the judging criteria for each of the awards, which are normally presented at their Annual IWA National Trailboat Festivals, as announced in March 2015.
The Best Illuminated Boat Awards
There are two awards here and both are judged at the same time. Judges will have to decide which category you are in just by looking at your illuminations, unless they have chosen to take the trouble to go round the boats and ask beforehand. If there is not enough water for a procession, or if it’s too windy for slow navigating, boats will be illuminated for 45 minutes where moored. As with all of the awards you can only keep it for one year and have to return it for re-presenting next year. However you will hopefully also be given a small engraved aluminium plaque with an IWA badge on it to keep as a souvenir of your win. Starting late into dusk on Saturday, with a noisy boat leading to announce the arrival of the flotilla:-
The Lancaster Trust Trophy
The first award is: – ‘The Lancaster Trust Trophy’ ~ For the Best Illuminated boat using electricity. This has been kindly donated to the IWA by the Lancaster Canal Trust, and was first awarded at the 2015 Festival at Crooklands on the northern reaches.
You do not have to enter for this award as all boats in the flotilla will be judged, and boat names taken. The two judges on the bank could be long term experienced boaters, or local drama club directors, someone from the local school arts department or local politicians. (We ask for two local volunteer judges to be found for every competition so there is no panic if one becomes ill at the last minute).
Boats will be lit by generators, inverters or batteries. There is usually a very big contingent of boaters taking part in this category as we love showing off in a big way to the hundreds of spectators who line the towpaths and pack the bridges. If the procession passes through or near to a large town there could even be thousands of people coming to watch this free spectacle on a fine night. The festival organisers are always advised to widely advertise this very popular event well in advance. As boats pass them the judges will be looking for: –
a) Artistic design and ingenuity of the illuminations.
- b) Originality.
- c) Overall visual effect – (The WOW factor).
- d) Amount of audience applause.
All boaters are asked to take some gaffer or cellotape ready to stick a large number in your windows. This is nothing to do with judging the competition. Earlier in the day, if there will be a commentary on the procession, you will have been asked to complete a numbered information slip about your boat to help the commentator make announcements as boats pass him/her. As well as completing the slip you will have been asked to display a large number. (You will be asked if you will be taking part in the procession when you complete your application form to attend the festival.)
Won in 2014 by Derek Smith on the Beaver ‘Olive’
The Ashby Canal Trust Shield
This second award is the ‘Ashby Canal Trust Shield’ ~ for the best illuminated boat not using electricity.
The award was donated by the Ashby Canal Trust and first presented at the National Trailboat festival 2009. Amended in 2012 and designated for boats not using electricity.
You do not have to enter for this award as all boats in the flotilla will be judged, and boat names taken. The two judges on the bank will be the same long term experienced boaters, or local drama club directors, someone from the local school arts department or local politicians.
Participating boats must be lit by oil, gas or paraffin lamps, candles, glow worms, chemical lights or solar self-stored. If you will be part of this category please make sure it is obvious you are not using electricity. Please ensure that nothing can accidentally catch fire. As boats pass them the judges will still be looking for: –
a) Artistic design and ingenuity of the illuminations.
- b) Originality.
- c) Overall visual effect – (The WOW factor).
- d) Amount of audience applause.
This section of the flotilla is aimed at giving canoes, dinghies, yachts and small day boats and newcomers with larger boats, and every boat at the festival, a chance to join the procession. There are not usually many boats in this category, so all are in with a good chance of winning this trophy.
Won in 2014 by John Burberry on the Beaver ‘Snapdragon’
The Grace Bell
The third award is ‘The Grace Bell’ ~ award for the best story board/s displayed on or near your boat.
First presented at the Newport National Trail Boat Festival 2000 when donated to the IWA by the Mon, Brec and Abergavenny canals trust. Registered as an IWA official award by the Festivals Committee in 2008.
You do not have to enter for this award as all boats displaying boards will be judged on Sunday morning (weather permitting), and boat names taken. As the information displayed should be composed for all ages to read, two young people good at English may be the judges. The information should be concise, varied, and waterproof. It must be interesting, have a good presentation, and there can be more than one board. Judges will be looking for the following features about your story boards. Remember to update them if you need to.
a) Give some statistical details and the boat’s history.
- b) Improvements made and the boat’s best features.
- c) Details of the current boat use & most adventurous trip.
- d) Must be easily readable from a distance of 1 Mtr.
It’s expected that there will be thousands of people attending the festival, with most of them not knowing anything about boats or canals, so if you don’t normally have a story board please make a special attempt this year. Something basic will be fine such as manufacture, age, where you are from, perhaps something about the reason for your boat’s name, and where you plan to cruise this year.
Won in 2014 by Derek Smith on the Beaver ‘Olive’
The John Heap Rose Bowl
The fourth award is ‘John Heap Rose Bowl’ ~ for the boat most ship-shape & Bristol Fashion.
First presented at the Pewsey National Trail Boat Rally 1985 by John Heap who was the IWA Chairman from 1973 – 1981. It was initially presented to the boat club with the largest number of boats attending. ‘Number of boats’ amended to ‘proportional to the number of boats in the club or society’ by Council in April 1991. From 2000 it was awarded instead for ‘Enterprising & Meritorious Cruising and the criteria and other details were extensively rewritten by Festivals Committee in 2008. It was re-allocated in 2012 for the best ‘Shipshape & Bristol Fashion’ boat. Probably the highest value trophy.
You do not have to enter for this award as all boats at the festival will be judged either Saturday or Sunday morning. Judges will make several tours of the moorings. External appearance to be as smooth and polished as you can make it, with a very smart layout and everything tidy, ropes coiled, and everything in good order. Judges will be told what to look out for, and will probably be the same people who judged one of the other competitions.
- a) General appearance, polished, clean, smooth and smart.
- b) Construction best quality, design and fit for purpose.
- c) Equipment neat, tidy, in good order, and ready for use.
- d) Nothing missing, broken, scratched, or disharmonious.
Won in 2014 by Neil McGarry on the Caraboat ‘ Helter Skelter’
The John Ogley Cup
The fifth award is the ‘John Ogley Cup’ ~ for the highest number of journey points.
Essentially this means the boat trailed the longest distance to the festival. It was first presented at the Gwent Waterways Rally 1988 by the IWA South Wales Branch, and re-named The John Ogley Cup in 1989. Amendments to the wording were made by IWA Council April 1991. The requirements, criteria, and other details were extensively rewritten by the Festivals Committee in 2008. (If anyone knows who John Ogley was please let Derek Smith know)
You do not have to enter for this award as your boat will be deemed as coming from your home address even if you stop off at Moira or somewhere else on your way, and your address together with your boat length, are all details on your boat application form. Therefore the winner of this award will be calculated by the chairman of the organisers during the last few days before the festival, so if you’ll be travelling a long way don’t leave sending in your entry form until the last minute.
The award will be for the boat that has been towed the longest distance in Wales/England to the Festival site. Distance is calculated relative to the length of the boat hull (Including engine/rudder). Use the shortest route between home address and the Festival site. Since there is a cost or physical penalty to trail a larger boat, the distance travelled will be multiplied by the length of the boat hull measured at gunwale height + engine in feet. ie: – A boat 15ft long trailed 200 miles would attract 3,000 points. A boat 18ft long trailed 180 miles would attract 3,240 points.
Won in 2014 by David Cawson on the yacht ‘Markie’
The BWB Cup
The sixth award is the ‘BWB Cup’ ~ for the best male boat handler.
This was first presented at the Droitwich national Trail Boat Rally 1986 by British Waterways Board.
The requirements, criteria, and other details were extensively rewritten by Festivals Committee in 2008 following complaints from women that the men always won. Ladies then competed for their own trophy in an identical competition run at the same time.
You do not have to enter for this award before you arrive at the festival. The Awards Officer and judges will tour the moorings several times from Friday onwards to collect the names of competitors, and will try to visit each boat before 12.00 noon on Saturday. They will be two long term experienced canal boaters and will wear badges to identify themselves. They will be asked to follow the traditional practice and use whatever techniques they deem to be appropriate in persuading eight gents to take part. At the same time they will be looking for eight ladies to have a go for the ladies trophy. However willing volunteers are preferred and if you are keen to be included and see them coming please step forward. The award will be given to the male trailboater able to carry out in 10 minutes the best boat manoeuvres.
Candidates will be given an appointment slip giving the starting place and a time.
It will take all Saturday afternoon to test the sixteen male & female competitors; starting at 1.00 pm and finishing at 4.45 pm. Manoeuvres may include unusual content having spectator interest. Only one male entrant will be allowed per boat. Up to 10 points per manoeuvre will be awarded as follows: –
- a) Casting off from a designated mooring point on time. (Easy points here, just be there on time).
- b) Turning the boat by means of a three point turn.
- c) Manoeuvring between fixed Port & Starboard buoys.
- d) Going astern between buoys.
- e) Mooring up at a designated mooring point on time. (More easy points, just finish within 10 minutes)
As usual it will be a public completion and its main purpose is to interest and amusement the public.
It will be announced on the festival site PA and there may be a big crowd of spectators so it will be important to avoid empty competitor slots with nothing happening.
Won in 2014 by David Cawson on the yacht ‘Markie’
The Grand Western Award
The seventh award is the ‘Grand Western Award’ ~ for the best female boat handler.
Donated to IWA by the Grand Western Canal Awareness Group and first presented at the Grand Western Canal National Trailboat Festival in 2008.
You do not have to enter for this award before you arrive at the festival. The Awards Officer and judges will tour the moorings several times from Friday onwards to collect the names of competitors and allocate you a slot in the timetable. They will try to visit each boat before 12.00 noon on Saturday. Judges will be two long term experienced canal boaters and will wear badges to identify themselves. The award will be given to the female trailboater able to carry out in 10 minutes the best boat manoeuvres.
Candidates will be given an appointment slip to remind them of the starting place and a time.
It will take all Saturday afternoon to test the sixteen male & female competitors; starting at 1.00 pm and finishing at 4.45 pm. Manoeuvres can include unusual content having spectator interest. Only one female entrant will be allowed per boat. Up to 10 points per manoeuvre will be awarded as follows: –
- a) Casting off from a designated mooring point on time. (Easy points here, just be there on time).
- b) Turning the boat by means of a three point turn.
- c) Manoeuvring between fixed Port & Starboard buoys.
- d) Going astern between buoys.
- e) Mooring up at a designated mooring point on time. (More easy points, just finish within 10 minutes)
Over recent years there have not been many entrants for this award as ladies tend to leave most boat handling to the men and think they are not very good at it. As you are all in the same boat – so to speak – this won’t matter, so just have a go. It’s all in a very good cause, to interest the public in going boating, preferably in trailboats! The Awards Officer has been asked to recruit eight ladies for this competition and doesn’t want any empty slots in his timetable and have spectators hanging about waiting for something to happen. It will not look good, so please have a go – and captains – if you are reading this please do your best to persuade her, encourage her get a bit of practice before the festival and enter for the fun of it.
Won in 2014 by Cynthia Fairall on the home made cruiser – ‘Maude Again’
The Pewsey Wharf Boat Club Trophy
The eighth award is the ‘Pewsey Wharf Boat Club Trophy’ ~ for the best fitted out boat.
This was first presented at the Pewsey National Trail Boat Rally in 1985 by the Pewsey Wharf Boat Club. The requirements, criteria, and other details were extensively rewritten by Festivals Committee in 2008.
You do not have to enter for this award. The two judges will be professional surveyors or experienced boat builders and will be hoping to have a look at every boat at the festival and viewings will start early Saturday morning. It’s hoped that the badged judges will be available to continue on Sunday if everyone has not been visited on Saturday. They will visit each boat in turn to see if they can gently persuade you to let them have a look inside. They are just hoping to have a fifteen minute chat about your boat so you can point out, demonstrate, and explain its best features and their purpose. (Unless you have some other agenda – see below.
The trophy will be awarded to the boat demonstrating the best of good construction and fitting-out craftsmanship and having a wide variety of useful features. In particular a very pleasing well co-ordinated interior and exterior, and a high standard of decoration finish. At one time it was only for amateur fitted out boats – all boats are now eligible for this award, with amateur fit-outs getting bonus points instead. Judges will be looking for: –
- a) Comfortable, pleasing interior, multiple function features.
- b) Practicality and quality of the features and ease of use.
- c) How many eco-friendly features are built into the boat.
- d) Amount of amateur practical work the owner has done.
If you’re like me and half way through a fit-out, or you think your boat is rubbish inside, or just not worth looking at, this won’t matter as you can pick their brains instead and they may give you some ideas and inspirations for improvements. The judges will be expecting you to take such advantage of their expertise. If they knock on your cabin at a bad time please arrange an appointment for them.
Won in 2014 by Neil McGarry on the Caraboat ‘ Helter Skelter’
The Keith Hadden Memorial Award
The ninth award is the ‘Keith Hadden Memorial Award’ ~ for the most enterprising and meritorious cruising
Donated to the IWA by the Wilderness Boat Owners’ Club, and first presented in 2012 at Stroud in memory of Keith Hadden, chairman of the Wilderness Boat Owners’ Club.
This is the only award you have to decide in advance that you wish to enter for and it will be awarded to the boater demonstrating the most enterprising and meritorious cruising In Europe during the past 12 months. Before you arrive at the festival you need to prepare evidence in the form of a detailed log or written paper on A4. This should also include maps, photos and diagrams. Put your entry in an envelope marked ‘Meritorious Cruising’ and bring it with you to the festival. Seek out sometime on Friday or Saturday morning the Festival Awards Officer and hand in your entry to him.
Over the years only one or two of the keenest boaters have submitted entries and it would be nice to have a few more this year. Judges will be long term experienced boaters and will be reading through the submissions during Saturday and Sunday, probably between judging other competitions. They will be looking in particular for: –
- a) Dates and variety of waterways visited.
- b) Miles travelled & locks navigated on each waterway.
- c) Difficulties on journeys successfully overcome.
- d) Novel or unusual details, any favourable press publicity.
Won in 2014 by John Parker on the Beaver ‘Bobbles’
The presentation day and time will depend on whether the festival is held on a bank holiday weekend. If it is the presentations are most likely to be on the Monday morning. Any other week-end they could be awarded on the Sunday.
