Back on the River: Saturday 16th September 2017
After the success of the boat trip last season we will be returning to the Trent on September 16th ahead of our home game against Wolves. We hope that this will now become an annual occasion close to the start of each season.
We have decided to push the date back slightly for a number of reasons. We had difficulties chartering all the boats for the fixtures in August and we realise that many of you are away around this time too. This also gives us a bit of extra time to organise what will hopefully be another belter of a day.
Tickets went on sale recently and the demand was huge. We sold all 310 spaces in 4 days. Unfortunately it’s unlikely that any more tickets will come available but we will let you know if they do. A waiting list has already formed. Incidentally, we would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help us with further boats, however big or small. We want as many of us on the river as possible. Please get in touch if you can help or if you know of anyone that can.
On the day we’d very much like to get everyone together before the boats leave if we can. We have arranged with the Southbank Bar on Trent Bridge to host us for for breakfast which will begin from around 09:30am. Those who would rather head straight from home to the boat are welcome to do so but please note there will not be food available onboard.
All four boats will leave within close proximity of each other close to Trent Bridge. People will be allocated to one of the four boats and will be advised of a specific place to meet and embark. This will either be beneath Wilford Suspension Bridge (Bridgford side of the river) or beneath Trent Bridge next to the new Brewhouse (formerly Riverbank) on the city side of the river. Please note that there will be no other pick up points.
We depart at 11:45am for a 2.5 hour voyage. This will culminate in us sailing past the Trent End and under Trent Bridge to the departure points close by at 2:15pm. This was a hell of a moment last time as the noise echoed around the Trent and there was, of course, the glorious sight of Sherwood the Bear waving us on from the bank! The boats will return to where they set sail. Plenty of time to get to your seat and probably enough of an opportunity to grab a final drink somewhere if you are so inclined.
Should any further tickets become available the cost will be £10 per person which includes a small voluntary donation to the Forza Garibaldi fund. This will be invested into our further activities. We are always keen to stress that 100% of any income goes towards other costs and plans. There is never any profit in this for us. It is, however, vital that we have funds in place to continue and we hope that you are happy to contribute. To sweeten the deal we will be including the latest range of FG stickers in with the ticket you are issued.
Once again we will be looking to issue tickets to each person in advance of the day. These will confirm the boat you are allocated on and will need to be shown when embarking. We will advise of where and when you can collect purchased tickets in due course.
If you were on the boats last August or saw how fantastic it was we hope to surpass it this time. This is going to be one of the real highlights of the FG calendar. And we look forward to seeing you on the Trent with us.
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Below is a basic itinerary for the day in addition to a number of FAQ’s which should help to explain things further if required. Should you have any other queries please get in touch.
Saturday 16th September 2017
· From 09:30am – Suggested meeting point at Southbank, Trent Bridge for pre-sail drinks and breakfast if required
· 11:30am – Meet at boarding point on the banks of the river next to the Trent (will vary depending on boat – please see ticket).
· 11:45am – Departure
· 2:15pm – Trip concludes with docking close to Trent Bridge. A likely final drink on solid ground before kick-off.
FAQ’s
1.
Q: Is alcohol available on the boat?
A: We’ll get asked this at least fifty times between now and the day so let us try and get in first… Yes. Alcohol will most certainly be available. Bottles may be offered in lieu of draft on certain boats.
2.
Q: How do I book myself on board?
A: Tickets are now sold out. If any become available the simplest way will be to purchase via the shop on this website but feel free to contact us directly. The cost will be £10 per person. Keep checking our Twitter feed for news on any spare spaces.
3.
Q: Will I be issued with a ticket to board the boat?
A: Yes. We’ll arrange some meeting points at games prior to the Wolves match, probably the home games in August, where tickets can be collected. We can hold paid for tickets until the day but only in certain cases. We don’t want to be dishing out dozens of tickets on the Saturday morning.
4.
Q: Will I get wet if it rains?
A: Probably not unless you fall in. All boats are largely indoors with outside decks of varying size.
5.
Q: Can I choose what boat I am allocated on?
A: Unfortunately not. Considering the requests of hundreds of people would not be feasible and organisation of this is difficult enough. Where an individual or a group would like to join an already booked group we will do what we can but offer no assurances. It should be said that there is one vessel considerably bigger than the others but we are simply working with what is available. Each and every boat will be lively. Last season the smallest boat was by far the noisiest!
6.
Q: Is embarking and disembarking the boats going to be suitable for all?
A: If you are concerned about this please get in touch with us. We would rather refer this direct to the boat company for them to make a call. It’s likely that certain boats will not be suitable for wheelchair access or those who struggle on their feet.
7.
Q: Are juveniles welcome?
A: Yes although they will not be allowed on one of the boats at the request of the boat company. If you are travelling with an under 16 please tell us.