The vibrant atmosphere of sailboat racing and the variety of the many supporting events for those watching from dry land are persuasive reasons to take a trip to the West Country over the coming months. Regatta season stretches across the summer but is in full swing by August.
Saltash Regatta and Waterside Festival (pictured) is a smaller affair than the grand Pendennis Cup (see below for details of this splendid competition, held earlier in the season) and it shows off the beauty of this, the first town you come to when crossing the Tamar from Devon to Cornwall. The event takes place 21st-22nd June and includes live music and pirate fancy dress.
Fowey Royal Regatta is a week-long event from 17th August. If those with land legs need convincing there is something for everyone at a regatta, point them to the crab catching competition, children’s story time and fireworks.
For a bigger event, Cornwall boasts the Pendennis Cup every two years, and 2014 is one of those years. From 26th-31st May 2014, the Cup brings an impressive array of super yachts to Falmouth, home of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. There’ll be a very special feel to the town that week as it hosts the Fal River Festival with over 150 events varying from music & drama, the arts & heritage to gig racing, swimming, walking & lots more.
Held every year since 1773, Teignmouth Regatta takes place from the 2nd-10th August. The Teign estuary makes a stunning backdrop for water-borne activities, the surrounding rolling fields and localwildlife ensure that there’s more than just the racing to enthral the family. Alongside competitive boat races, there are some wonderful events including a children's crab catching contest at Sand Quay, kayaking and paddleboarding competitions, and a Family Fun Run.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place on the River Dart every August, and boasts a plethora of rowing and sailing races. The Red Arrows put on a display as well as the Blades Aerobatic Display Team, a Battle of Britain memorial flypast and an appearance by the earth-shudderingly noisy Eurofighter Typhoon also on the programme. Some of the quirkier events include the madcap International Trolley Grand Prix. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend between the 28th and 30th, making it the second largest event of its kind after Cowes Regatta on the Isle of Wight.
Beer Regatta takes place in Lyme Bay between August 9th and 16th. Sea shanty singing, a fishing competition, the Regatta Dance, a Family Fun Day with foot races for the young and old, and even an arm wrestling competition are all part of the land-based activities while the races take over the waters.
To see our holiday cottages near each of these events go to the Helpful Holidays website or call 01647 433593.
