The BABC was proud to host a triple celebration at the glass-covered atrium of the Citigroup Building at One Sansome Street on St George’s Day to mark the start of Britweek and the launch of Bojangles, before its epic journey across the Atlantic Ocean in time for the London Olympics.

Parked up outside on the back of a DHL lorry, the 24 ft two person ocean rowing boat certainly attracted a lot of attention from passers-by, especially when our bagpiper, Len Miller, started playing on the steps at the start of the event.

Inside, more than 160 BABC members and Britweek supporters mingled with representatives from the British Consulate and the San Francisco Mayor’s office, as well as the many OAR volunteers and staff who’d been working hard to get the boat ready for her big day.

Thanks to the generosity of our very kind sponsors, guests had a wonderful array of drinks to sample – with Mumm Napa sparkling wine, Number 3 London Dry Gin and Tonics, Anchor Steam beer, and cocktails from VeeV spirits.

 After speeches from BABC Northern California President Colin Brown, Kate McNally from the British Consulate-General, and Stuart Bagshaw, organizer of Britweek, it was time for the launch itself.

Everyone crowded out onto the steps of the building to watch Mark Chandler, International Business Representative of the San Francisco Mayor’s office, break open a bottle of Mumm Napa onto the boat. The rowers themselves, Roz Savage and Andrew Morris, on the deck of Bojangles, took over and sprayed their craft with champagne before giving a speech of thanks.

Back inside, there was just time for the raffle and a final few songs from Brass Farthing, a Victorian themed barbershop group, who gave several rousing performances of sea shanties and traditional British songs during the event–  many thanks for their support. You can find out more about them
online here.

Thanks also to Wez Ireland, who kindly photographed the event for us –
you can take a look at the photos of the event here. For more information about Wez, his website is www.wezireland.com.

If you want to follow the progress of the OAR team across the US, the Atlantic, and the inland waterways of Britain you can track their journey 
here.