Mangrove Bay was filled with hundreds of boats yesterday, along with several memorable non-boats.

Ten less-than-seaworthy vessels took to the waters off Sandys Boat Club as part of the 2009 Non-Mariners Race, while hundreds of spectators watched from the safety of the shore, and thousands more watched from their boats.

Master of Ceremonies Bruce Barritt said he was impressed by the number on boats who came to watch the event.

"More spectators seem to be out on the water then on the land this year," said Mr. Barritt.

The most visible of the non-boats was the Wrecked on de Wrock, non-captained by Paul McCoy.

He and his non-crew created a floating imitation of the wreck of the Sea Venture, including its own rock and a flag reading 'Tall Ships 1609'.

"The non-white heron is non-proud to be a non-part of this 400th non-anniversary non-year non-celebration of the first non-mariner of Bermuda, Sir George Somers, who most magnificently wrecked his ship in 1609," said Mr. McCoy, dressed in a black helmet. white trenchcoat and orange boating shoes.

"The BMDS (Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society) gave you 'Wrecked on the Rock', the Ministry of Culture gave you the recreation at Gates Bay, so now [our group], the White Heron, proudly non-present the real story of the Sea Venture, featuring a ship, a rock, and large quantities of beer.

Despite the tradition of political satire, only a few of the boats featured political commentary this year.

Alex Jones, who has been involved with five non-mariners races, said that he thought he had a good chance of non-winning this year's event.

"I believe that given the last-minute nature and complete incompetence, we have a great chance of non-winning this race," said Mr. Jones.

Floating on a pair of hollow drums and decorated with a swan made of palm leaves, the Boat of No Confidence imitated its namesake and capsized minutes after entering the water.

Alex Dykstra, who is visiting the Island from Hamilton, Ontario, was signed up for the race by a local friend, and was taken in by the crew of the Ewart Tower.

"I was told by a friend that this Sunday there was the non-mariners race, and I was intrigued," said Mr. Dykstra. "Apparently I'm just here to swim. Push and swim."