Setting sail for fun

11:22am Saturday 12th May 2007

BROMSGROVE-based marketing and communications firm, Gough Allen Stanley, maintained a steady ship to organise the successful launch of Drayton Manor Theme Park's newest white-knuckle ride - The Bounty.

Located in Kembrey House in Worcester Road, the firm has handled the park's public relations for more than ten years and has previously organised the launch of some of its biggest and most popular rides, including G Force and Maelstrom.

The Bounty is a fibreglass boat made to look as if it has been constructed from old wooden planks, which swings thrill-seekers over the park's lake.

But visitors who dare step onboard better make sure they have their sea legs. The Bounty begins with a smooth back and forth swinging motion, but as it increases in speed, the swinging results in the boat reaching an angle of up to 75 degrees. At this point, riders experience relative weightlessness.

For the launch, to keep with the pirate theme, Gough Allen Stanley booked a Johnny Depp look-a-like who dressed up in a Captain Jack Sparrow costume.

Sue Bailey, the agency's managing director, said: "We always look for interesting and exciting ways to promote our clients. The Johnny Depp look-a-like turned out to be a fantastic choice to help launch this attraction."