Raft Razor - by Patrick Imrie
Finally, the long-awaited day had arrived.
The intense sun beat down on our backs and the sunblock bottles were quickly emptied. We cautiously lifted our magnificent raft towards the edge of the estuary.
The school field was entirely transformed into a tremendous festival ground.
Enormous tents loomed over us like skyscrapers, Music blared form a giant loudspeaker.
Today was the day when our hopeful team would win this years annual raft race day, thanks to our school-made raft, “ The King Tim’s Revenge “.
“ The King Tim’s Revenge “ flapped her sponsorship banners , she seemed to be excited too. Her white polystyrene hull gleamed in the sunlight like polished fibre glass.
A tiny hint of doubt lingered in my head. Would she really float ? Suddenly a buzzer sounded - too late to think about THAT !
The competitors  hastily  pushed  and slid their rafts into the cool estuary water, eager to begin the race. A  5 minute flotation test was successfully passed by all vessels, and then the race began !
“The King Tim’s Revenge“ battled bravely. Dodging clumps of seaweed thrown by crazed parents, she  blazed on towards the finish line.


Raft Race – by Alex Revington
Blazing heat beams down on the flood of excitement. Dazzling water waits for it’s competitors. Large hand-made rafts anticipate their challenge. A buzz of indecision sweeps over the excited contestants,
sponsors and charity’s. The St.Mary’s raft razor has begun! Nervously children struggle to carry their masterpiece into smirking waters. As race1 begins the onlookers sluggishly manoeuvre their creations closer to the awaiting estuary. A scramble for lifejackets creates immediate anticipation to win the prize. As my passionate team leaps into the foggy, mud filled waters our confidence slowly ebbs away as a pang of doubt enters our minds. Inspiration levels rejuvenate though as our beauty floats comfortably, with the float off over it was time to race.
Thoughts swirling around our heads, as we rapidly advance our boat with our light and powerful paddles, desperately striving to be the winner.
After terrific teamwork and powerful paddling we crossed the line first, and empowered with confidence we moved our brilliant creation to the start line of …….. THE GRAND FINAL! Tension levels increased as the hungry sea snarled at the racers, and the crews of champions stared down
their opposition. 3! 2! 1! GO! Energetic paddling steered us to the lead, sideline shouts enliven our energy, superb conducting from Skipper