Trawler race hanging in the balance
The future of Looe's annual trawler race, due to take place on Saturday, July 17, is hanging in the balance, after it was discovered this week that no one is actually prepared to take on the main organisation.
The Looe Fishermen's Protection Society has called a meeting for tomorrow (Saturday) at which it is hoped that something can be salvaged at the eleventh hour so the event can take place this year as usual. It may be in skeleton form, but it will allow for time to get it up and running in force again by next year.
The trawler race, which is a hugely popular and fun event, hotly contested by Looe's fleet, has become an integral part of the local community since it first began about 11 years ago, and also draws many visitors to the town. The bar and barbecue on the quay and the annual auction for a deserving local cause always raises a good deal of money.
Last year the event was organised by Blue Sail Fish Company but the firm's Heugh Symons says that regretfully they have had to withdraw this time. He said that unfortunately they did not have the staff available on the day to be able to cope, but the company would still offer their services to collect the money and handle the accounts.
Mr Symons says he believes the present fishing climate has led to the lack of feel good factor enjoyed by the fishermen in past years which is probably why no one has come forward to spearhead the event. 'The port needs to pull together in these uncertain times due mainly to quotas, poor fishing and the weather' he said. 'It will do the fishing families of Looe good to concentrate on this fun day and lift everyone's spirits'.
Mayor Dave Bryan has also spoke of his sadness at the event's threatened demise. 'I hope the organisation difficulties for Looe's trawler race can be resolved in time' he said. 'It will be a sad day for the town if we lose this very worthwhile attraction.'