Beat the Barton Block Clock revelled by hundreds at Southampton Boat Show

The winner is Robin © Barton Marine

Over 300 visitors participated in the Beat the Barton Block Clock Competition to assemble a size three Barton single block quickest in the Manufacturer's Showcase, at the entrance to Southampton Boat Show.

The overall winner with a remarkable time of 15.07 seconds was Robin S from Weymouth, who sails a Westerly Centaur. His nimble fingers put in a sterling performance considering the average daily winning time was 23 seconds and the best time from the Barton assembly team came in a relatively leisurely 18 seconds.

Suzanne demonstrates how to build the block - photo © Barton Marine

Entrants came from across the country and all walks of life, purely to find out more about boats and equipment. Children competed effectively against sailing veterans - and boat builders went up against some who had never stepped foot on a boat. Assembling a block can be an incredibly tricky and frustrating task, but demonstrates how adept our boating peers are at turning their hands to a challenge.

"It was great to meet so many show goers over a light hearted bit of fun and speak to many happy Barton customers in the process," says Christian Brewer, Barton Sales Manager. "Despite the many 'Arghhh' and 'its so fiddly' comments, visitors walked into the show with smiles on their faces."

Our daily winners were:

• Friday 13th - Mark M from Emsworth 25.70 seconds
• Saturday 14th - Greame H 20.58 seconds
• Sunday 15th - Phil H from the RYA 23.69 seconds
• Monday 16th - Jason M 21.72 seconds
• Tuesday 17th - Andy Y from Farnham 24.86 seconds
• Wednesday 18th - Tim H from Maidenhead 24.38 seconds
• Thursday 19th - Bill A from Maidstone 27.48 seconds
• Friday 20th - Clint F from Northampton 24.94 seconds
• Saturday 21st - Katie M 21.63 seconds - beating her husband Leo by 0.31 of a second!
• Sunday 22nd - Robin S 15.07 seconds - a spectacular time!

www.bartonmarine.com