Dartmouth Regatta

28 - 29 - 30 August 2008

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta is the event of the year for the small, but perfectly formed town of Dartmouth in South Devon. Always including the last Friday in August, Dartmouth’s Royal Regatta vies with Cowes Week for popularity. The main events are all water-related, with local rowing, historic craft and waterborne tug-of-war on the river, as well as yacht racing in Start Bay and the traditional Passage Races from Brixham to Dartmouth.

But what a spectacular location for the many competitors! Dartmouth’s natural, deep water harbour, with brightly coloured houses tumbling down its steeply sloping hillsides, can accommodate modern day warships and cruise liners and there is always at least one naval Guardship for the Regatta.

The very first regatta was held in the town in 1822, it included three sailing races, one six-oared gig race, a military band played at Dartmouth Castle and 120 attended a ball. In 1856 it received its first royal patronage when Queen Victoria made an unexpected visit due to bad weather on the night before regatta, stayed on and enjoyed it so much she bestowed the title “royal” before leaving. The current royal patron is HRH the Duke of York, who trained at Britannia Royal Naval College in the town.

Nowadays the regatta includes much, much more for everyone, of all ages. There’s fantastic air displays, usually including the Red Arrows, a “shopping village” in the marquee on Coronation Park, and two of the best firework displays this side of Sydney Harbour!!

With Anderton and Rowlands famous funfair on the central car park, market stalls lining the embankment, music and dancing and fun events all week long, you really need to come along to experience Regatta at its best! 

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Regatta images

Early Regatta 21 August 2006
Regatta Special 25 August 2006
Images 31st August 2006
Regatta Air Display 2006
Regatta Home Page

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