Another weekend training down a Hove, but this time the sun was out and it was the busiest I’ve seen the beach and water this year. Trying to swim and getting used to the increased number of kite surfers in the water was one thing, but then further out, the World Championship Powerboat p1 competition started and the waters were turned into a engine buzzing, choppy experience with added distractions of helicopters and coast guard patrols, all was well apart from an unexpected case of sea sickness (whilst swimming is a very bizarre feeling), and then there was the sudden smell of burning.

I found that just a few hundreds metres along from where I was, one of the powerboats; Flaminia, was very close to the shore, bellowing flames and black smoke (later to find out it, that the likely source of fire was an electrical fault). The beach and it’s waters were evacuated and I stood huddled in the crowds of sun lotioned beach goers, wrapped up in jogging bottoms, sweaters, dressing gown, woolly hat and blankets trying to get warm!!! – a great look for the peak of summer.

An upside to the day, was the presence of Brighton & Hove’s fire brigade, who are strong contenders for that ‘coating of channel grease’ that many seem to get excited about! :o)