The mayhem of the Parade of Sails and the milling crowds at the largest wooden boat festival in the Southern Hemisphere can be a bit of a shock after the peace and tranquillity of the Raid. To help you ease back into normal life we’ve organised a Raid Welcome event at the AWBF. In previous years we’ve enjoyed the hospitality of the Hope and Anchor where the dingey décor is a welcome relief after all the fresh air and sunshine of the Raid. Unfortunately, the Hope and Anchor is closed over the festival due to a change of ownership – let’s hope they don’t tart it up. This year the Raid Welcome event is 2.30 to 5.30 pm upstairs in the Derwent View Rooms at Franklin Wharf. It’s all very bright and shiny, but on the up-side, it is right next to the Raid fleet in Watermans Dock and has great views over the festival and docks. There will be a cash bar to help you get back into the swing of using money. We will organise some platters and when these run out they will do pizzas to order – but again you will have pay for them. Family and friends are welcome to join us. Google Maps knows where it is, just follow this link: https://goo.gl/maps/yYf5hygD6RxVhTB66