20 Things to do at Dartmouth Regatta
DARTMOUTH REGATTA IS A HUGE EVENT FOR THE TOWN – FULL OF FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO ON AND OFF THE WATER. HERE’S A TASTE OF THE MANY FUN ITEMS ON THE PACKED PROGRAMME THIS YEAR
FOR CHILDREN Crabbing competition – catch as many crabs in an hour as you can from the Embankment on Regatta Friday, using single crabbing lines and strictly with no adult help! This is a very popular event so arrive early to get a good spot.
Pavement painting and colouring competition – for all budding Rembrandts and Banksys here’s a chance to vent your creativity in chalk at the Boatfloat, on Regatta Saturday morning. Also, during the week, children under 15 can pick up a unique line drawing by local artist Paul Barclay – whose popular signage includes the By The Dart masthead – and enter the colouring competition. Drawings are available from Dartmouth Yacht Club and other locations in the town.
Fancy dress competition – this year’s theme is ‘pirates and sea monsters’ so dig out those eye patches, stripy tops and stuffed parrots to compete for best dressed in Regatta Thursday’s competition and parade.
Scavenger hunt – a very popular event on Regatta Wednesday. Collect your scavenger bag and list of items to find from Dartmouth Yacht Club and spend the day scavenging around the town. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the best scavengers.
Funfair – a huge crowd puller, the funfair is open throughout Regatta. All the traditional stalls, candyfloss and rides for the young and young at heart – and some pretty scary looking ones too!
ON THE WATER Sailing – it goes without saying that there are tons of sailing races over Regatta week, from yachts to dinghies. The Sailing Week is organised through Dartmouth Yacht Club, Dittisham Sailing Club and Royal Dart Yacht Club. Look out for beautiful flotilla sights along the majestic coastline from Start Bay.
Local and regional rowing – Dartmouth Regatta also has a well established packed schedule of local rowing races, from one-man dinghies to eight-man whalers and the competition is fierce but fun. Grab a vantage viewpoint on the Embankment for some serious entertainment and rivalry. The West of England Amateur Rowing Association championships run through Regatta Thursday. Crews from across the country race from above the Higher Ferry to the finish line opposite Dartmouth Yacht Club.
Waterborne tug of war – in the Boatfloat on Regatta Saturday morning, this is a tug of war with a difference – the crews tugging are actually rowing in whalers. Mens and ladies crews, of four rowers and a coxswain, enter on the day to see who can last to the bitter end. This is a great spectator sport too.
Water polo – after pollution in the Dart halted this event in the 1970s, the recently returned competition has been greatly received at Regatta. The water is now much cleaner and safer as teams battle it out in the Boatfloat on the Saturday before Regatta Anyone who would like to have a go on the day is invited too and yes, you can wear a wetsuit!
Classic craft review – a serene procession of classic boats on Regatta Saturday, with superb commentary as they sail past. This event started more than 30 years ago and is very popular to watch along the Embankment. The boats range from small working vessels to large yachts and age from 10 to 100 years old.
MUSIC AND DANCING Regatta Ball – this wonderful black tie event is a highlight of the week and a great excuse to splash out on a new outfit. Held in the Regatta marquee on Regatta Tuesday, with a 22-piece big band and a magician amongst the entertainment, you need to grab a ticket quickly.
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