In 1986, Lodge St. Olaf took its first tentative steps toward making raft race history. The six-man crew, brimming with enthusiasm but little experience, could not have imagined that their inaugural effort would lay the foundation for a decade of triumphs in creative design. Their maiden raft was relatively simple by later standards, but its charm and originality captivated the judges, earning them the first of 10 major awards in this category.
As the years passed, their entries became increasingly elaborate, with each new design raising the bar for ingenuity and craftsmanship. While many fondly recall the grandeur of later creations, there is a special pride in the Lodge’s collective memory for that first victory—a reminder of how far they had come from their humble beginnings.
It was a different era then, long before the advent of political correctness, and the Lodge’s maiden voyage embodied the playful and unfiltered spirit of the time. That first raft launched not just into the waters of the Ythan but into the hearts of the local community, establishing Lodge St. Olaf as a creative force to be reckoned with and setting the stage for their enduring legacy in the race’s history.
Result: The Winner of the Most Attractive Raft
Gordon Mackay
Doug Sheal
Martin Daley
Gordon Andrews
Jim Gardner
Jim Stewart
