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Shaldon Regatta

Shaldon Regatta

Shaldon Regatta

The Annual Shaldon Regatta takes place over 9 days at the end of August, up to 120 events take place that you can either take part in, or just watch and enjoy on the river beach in the area along Marine Parade, where the Shaldon to Teignmouth ferry lands.
 
There are events for all ages and abilities and include; rowing, swimming, sailing and beach sports and races, rounder’s, beach football, volleyball tug of war, Kriket (Shaldon rules), King Canute and sandcastle competition, and the pillow fight which takes place on a slippery pole.
 
The famous duck race takes place on the incoming flood tide- when a huge flotilla of yellow plastic ducks goes up stream, all numbered and bought, with the winner getting a great prize!
 
You are encouraged to join in at all levels if you want to, the committee are on hand on the beach to help at all times, and rowing and Otter sailing dinghies are available on loan for races to help you join in the fun-you can try boat activities even if you have never been in any type of boat before, they are a two man boat, and the crew are experienced.  No one is excluded from any of the activities with a big emphasis on involving children, both local and holiday makers, in a competitive but very controlled water environment.
 
Four man Seine rowing boats, which have been built recently, have been introduced into the rowing races, this has helped standardize the rowing races, which used to be in any wooden boat. These have been built to a design taken from an original Syd Hook Seine boat mold.
 
From the edge of the beach and into the village you will find cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as most types of shops in easy reach.
 
The Shaldon Regatta is probably one of the oldest in Britain, having started life in1817 according to newpaper reports of that time, but it is known that rowing races were described in letters as far back as 1773. The first mention of an actual regatta was in the Exeter Flying Post of 1848-with various events taking place, including ladies rowing in full gowns & caps, and a duck race! Later years saw the addition of a fair along Marine Parade, and the events lasting a few days with substantial prizes for the races. Post both wars saw extra events creeping in such as the greasy pole, and swimming races-noted by the then Chairman Mr. Morgan–Giles (Of the Teignmouth Boatyard) calling the events a ‘Water Gymkhana”.
 
1971 the marathon rowing race from Dawlish was started, with a huge number of entrants, a project was started to build a standard boat, the original being a Jack Matthews craft, and now there are hundreds in existence, and the regatta races are restricted to this original style boat with it’s wooden oars. The original 6 boats are still in use today from that time.
 
Come and stay for a fortnight – or even just a week in Shaldon, you will not want to go home!!
 
CONTACT PERSON: Ray Edworthy 07833 704614

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