2015 River Exe Regatta - Preview
by Tony Blackmore & Nishok Love 30 Jun 2015 18:50 BST
11-12 July 2015
Merlin Rocket at the River Exe Regatta © Mike Rice /
www.fotoboat.com
With the date of the 2015 River Exe Regatta, sponsored by The Gro Company and Exe Sails and Covers, fast approaching, the event is shaping up to be the unmissable weekend dinghy regatta in the south west with plenty organised both on and off the water.
It is the turn of Starcross Yacht Club to take the lead in organising the River Exe Regatta and hosting the weekend's festivities, and this year we've attracted a significant sponsor in The Gro Company, manufacturer of the original baby Gro (sleeping) bag and maker of products which look after the wellbeing of our future sailors. They are a successful international company based locally in Exeter at the head of the River Exe and play a significant part in the local economy.
As a result of the partnership between the River Exe Regatta and The Gro Company we have been able to re brand the regatta with a new logo and up to date web site giving people direct access to the information required to take part.
As well as The Gro Company we also have the support of local sailmaker Exe Sails and Canvas. They have many local customers and are growing their reputation nationally as a maker of fast dinghy and keelboat racing sails as well as cruising sails, covers, bags etc.
So a big thank you to both of them.
The River Exe Regatta itself sees Dinghy Racing across 7 fleets on both days (Multihulls, Monos, Juniors and Regatta) and a "Swallows and Amazon" adventure for the youngsters on Saturday.
On the social side we have a beer festival all weekend featuring the local Hanlons Beer (Yellow Hammer etc) with a Happy Hour 7 till 8pm with 1975 prices! On the Saturday night there's a Caribbean Party at SYC with two live bands. That kicks off at 7pm with steel band Pandango creating a suitable ambience whilst the rest of us tuck in to the evening meal. Later on, local favourites Castletow bring their unique blend of folk music, gypsy rhythm and sea shanty to the marquee stage. It's a wild mix so expect a lot of fun and some sore feet in the morning!
Free camping is available at Starcross YC but this needs to be booked in advance via the website.
As always there's a free Prize Draw (and tea) for ALL competitors and volunteers at the prize giving after racing on Sunday.
Racing starts at 1pm on Sat – Don't miss it!
Entry is via the website online. For more details and the entry form please visit www.river-exe-regatta.org.uk
www.facebook.com/RiverExeRegatta