Miss Alderney Hannah Cox and her maids of honour are cheered up to the Butes on Cavalcade Day. Pictured on the float are Katie Le Poullain, Hannah (centre) and Sarah Pepper. (0819397)

GLORIOUS sunshine bathed the island on Cavalcade Day. Alderney Week’s flagship event attracted hundreds of islanders and tourists to Victoria Street, who all saw a dozen floats paraded up to the Butes.

Alderney Week team member Ilona Soane-Sands said the judges found it hard to pick the best float.

‘It wasn’t easy for the judges as the standard of entries was so high this year. I must admit, I’m glad I didn’t have to choose a winner.’

In the end, Miss Alderney Hannah Cox took the honours for her float, which featured a huge hot air balloon.

On Tuesday the Paris Fashion Show was held on the Butes before the Wild West Express took off from Braye Station. In the evening, Rain or Shine Theatre Company performed The Taming of the Shrew in the Memorial Gardens.

The Sandcastle Competition was Wednesday’s highlight and once again the standard of entries was extremely high. Braye Beach was packed for the event, which kept everyone who took part busy for most of the afternoon.

Philip Hanrahan and his team took first prize after sculpting a 15ft hand in the sand.

Philip, who named the entry A Big Hand for Alderney Week, was helped by friends Jennifer Barnes, Aaron Norton, Greg Hill, Jamie Sealy and Melissa Hill.

SAILORS Peter Palmer and Boyd Kelly overcame blustery conditions to compete for the Carey Olsen Trophy.

The annual Guernsey-Alderney pursuit race attracted 30 competitors this year, including newsagent Peter, who runs the Alderney Centre in Victoria Street, and States member Boyd.

Both islanders are race regulars and thoroughly enjoyed getting to grips with the testing conditions on Saturday afternoon.

Peter, who skippered Helena alongside his daughter Elizabeth and two friends, said:

‘It was very wet and windy – atrocious conditions really. In the end we were pleased with our performance.

‘We almost won last year and have been in the top five on several occasions. However, we didn’t have any luck this year and you need luck if you’re going to win the race.’

Boyd, who skippered Jahl with friends Nigel McKie and David Storer, enjoyed the race, despite the conditions.

‘I had a great sail. We got across at a steady six knots, which is pretty good for a small boat.

‘The race itself was very enjoyable. I’ve been involved for the last four years and it’s always a good event. It’s great because we get plenty of people to the Sailing Club and there’s always a brilliant atmosphere.’

Boyd said the handicap system worked well and ensured a close finish.

‘We had similar conditions throughout so the handicap start worked well this year. It made for a close finish with lots of boats scrapping for the line at the end.’

Both Peter, who finished 15th, and Boyd, who ended up 22nd, encountered problems during the race. A strong gust of wind damaged one of Peter’s spinnaker poles, while a problem with Boyd’s engine meant he was happy for the strong winds to blow in the right direction.

Both men admitted experience of Alderney’s rough seas was important.

Boyd said: ‘Local knowledge is important – it’s why Peter does well every year. I’m still learning.’

Jersey yacht Zanzibar, skippered by Alan Stevens, won the race after starting well back in the fleet on handicap. Alan managed to clock speeds above 10 knots and complete the course in a little over two hours. He said: ‘The crew and I were particularly pleased to win this year’s race as we are the first Jersey boat to do so. The driving rain was not nice but the wind direction and strength suited us well and we managed to overhaul the rest of the fleet who, with one exception, had all started ahead of us on handicap.

‘It was a very exciting race and a real team effort.

‘The crew also really enjoyed themselves in Alderney in the evening.’

Race organiser Adam Reed said: ‘The pursuit race format worked out very well for us this year, ensuring a very tense finish.

‘The wet weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the racers, although they were glad to get to the reception afterwards for a drink and some hot food.’