In a normal year in Lymington, crowds gather at Setley Pond in the New Forest for the annual Boxing Day model boat race for the Setley Cup and Seahorse Trophy. Small competitors are cheered on by family and friends regardless of how cold, wet or windy the conditions are. Tears may be shed when a beloved boat sinks or a wellie fills with icy water but hot chocolate or a mince pie is usually enough to bring smiles back.
Racing for the Setley Cup has taken place every year since 1983 when Jonathon Rogers and Tom McEwen challenged each other's children to race the boats they had each designed and built across Setley Pond. Simple rules were drafted, longer wellies were acquired and fortuitously for lifelong friendships the racing was declared a draw!