Thirty four years ago, the remaining fleet of five working narrowboats of the Braunston's Blue Line Carriers set out on what, unknowingly to the crews, was to be their last journey as working boatmen.

At Atherstone they loaded 175 tons of coal, which they carried to the Jam 'Ole. Their journey marked not only the end of the regular fleet runs for Braunston, but also for all the canals.

The route took the fleet from Braunston Marina up to Atherstone (north of Coventry) - where historically the boats loaded coal - and then down to London to the site of a jam factory in Southall (hence Jam 'Ole) where the cargo was unloaded, and then a dash back to Braunston.

The fleet travelled 210 miles, passing through 186 locks - 51 in one marathon day - and taking in parts of the Grand Union, Oxford and Coventry canals. The boats were on the move from five in the morning until sometimes ten at night.

The fleet was manned by some 40 canal enthusiasts - most of whom lived, slept and ate in the old way in boatmen's cabins - including veterans of the working days of the canals.

Founder and organiser of the event, Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina said, "With 12 boats, we had the largest fleet ever. What particularly pleased me was the number of young people keen to join us, including a half dozen teenagers, the youngest being 15."

This was the fifth recreation, said Coghlan, and enthusiasm for it continues to grow.

"It has now become a well established bi-annual challenge - the Fastnet Race of the canals - and everyone is looking forward to the next one in October 2006, " commented Coghlan.