The Maiden Voyage: Lodge St. Olaf’s First Raft Race, 1986
The summer of 1986 marked a memorable moment for Lodge St. Olaf, when the Lodge first ventured into the lively spectacle of the local raft race on the River Ythan. Until that year, the event had been something members watched and enjoyed from the banks, but a small group within the Lodge decided it was time to take part. What followed was an effort driven less by experience than by enthusiasm, imagination, and a healthy sense of adventure.
A six-man crew was assembled—members who shared a willingness to try something new and a determination to represent the Lodge in good spirit. None of them had ever built a raft for such an occasion before, and the task ahead was as uncertain as it was exciting. Plans were sketched, materials gathered, and before long the Lodge workshop was alive with the sounds of sawing, hammering, and laughter as the crew worked to bring their idea to life.
The raft itself, by later standards, was modest in construction. It lacked the scale and sophistication that might characterise modern entries, but what it possessed in abundance was personality. Every detail reflected the creativity and humour of those involved. The design had a charm that made it stand out—not because it was the largest or most elaborate craft on the water, but because it captured the playful spirit of the event itself.
As race day arrived, anticipation grew. The riverbanks were lined with spectators, families, and supporters eager to see the colourful flotilla of rafts set off along the Ythan. For the Lodge’s crew, it was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Launching their craft into the river for the first time, they could only hope it would hold together long enough to complete the course.
Yet from the moment the raft appeared among the other entries, it drew smiles and attention. Its imaginative design and cheerful presentation quickly caught the eye of both spectators and judges. What had begun as a light-hearted experiment suddenly seemed to carry the possibility of real success.
When the results were announced, the surprise and delight among the Lodge members were unmistakable. Their first-ever entry had been awarded the prize for “Most Attractive Raft.” For a team who had entered the race simply hoping to take part and enjoy the occasion, the recognition was both unexpected and immensely satisfying.
The victory was celebrated not only by the crew but by the wider Lodge community. It was a proud moment, demonstrating what could be achieved through teamwork, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the spirit of the event. The six men who had taken the raft onto the river that day returned not just with wet boots and tired arms, but with a trophy and a story that would be retold within the Lodge for many years to come.
Looking back, that day in 1986 remains a vivid memory—a moment when Lodge St. Olaf first carried its colours onto the waters of the Ythan. The raft itself may have been simple, but the excitement of the occasion, the laughter of the crew, and the pride of winning “Most Attractive Raft” ensured that the Lodge’s maiden voyage would never be forgotten.