The Athena B
Beached in bad weather east of the Palace Pier on 21st January 1980. close to the site of the Chain Pier.
The vehicles and many people who turned out on the first
morning can be seen on Madeira Drive and on the beach.
The ensuing fine weekend made it a attraction for many, needing crowd
control.
The Volks Railway even opening to cash in on the unseasonal visitors.
The other seaside facilities were also promptly dusted off and opened to cater
for the influx of cash.
There is a piece on this in Tim Carder's excellent 'The Encyclopedia of Brighton'
I was fortunate to be on the light aircraft from which these pictures were taken.
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