Crowds come out in force for Sidmouth Regatta

Sidmouth’s ‘best ever’ fireworks lit up the skies as spectators gathered for the town’s annual Regatta.

The event, now in its 29th year, launched with perfect sailing weather on Saturday but had to cancel the following day’s round of sailing and treasure hunt due to high winds.

Over the weekend, participants lined up to take on the popular three-legged race with an array of creative costumes taking to the start line including a group dressed as Noah and several pairs of sea based animals.

Groups tested their sea legs in the raft race, with all nine entries completing the course. The race was won again by the All Saints Church ‘Saints and Sinner’ team.

In the junior race, George Chapman, Christina Clapp, George Anning and Oliver Buley navigated their ‘gravy’ boat to claim first place.

Tavistock band Mr E provided the musical entertainment before the fireworks and RNLI collection.

Judges were also spoilt for choice in the children’s fancy dress and drawing competitions with winners receiving prizes donated by Gliddons Toy Shop.

Oliver Salter, from the Regatta committee, said: “Generally attendance and entries on Saturday were up on last year, but the weather on Sunday meant many of the children stayed away.

“The raft race was good and all nine rafts entering the event completed the course, even The Titanic.”

He extended a big thank-you to Adele, Yasmin and Elisha Salter, Jill Retter and Heather Adkin for organising the children’s events and hotels and businesses for sponsoring the regatta adding without their support and donations the event could not take place.

A full list of winners of Sidmouth Regatta 2018:

THREE-LEGGED RACE (22 entries)

FANCY DRESS

1. I can’t live without EU – Joe Woodley & Antonia Fan

RACE

1st Joe Woodley & Antonia Fan

2nd Vicky Bell & Chris Helyar

SWIMMING RACES

1st under 14 Ronan Austin, age 11

2nd under 14 Sophie Bult, age 9

3rd under 14 Sorcha Greaves, age 13

1st Adult Danny Austin

2nd Adult Tristan Gibbs

RAFT RACE 9 entries and all finished

Fancy Dress

Joint 1st

Barry Moreton, Gina Rogers, Megan Rogers, Scott Rowson, Kirsteen Welch, Greg McQueen, Ben Watkins and many more of Sidmouth Gig Club with their Titanic themed raft.

James Trevett, Shane Hobson-Martin, Nathan Dunster, Tom Hill, Jacob Voss, Barry Trevett and Graham French with their Game of Throne inspired raft

Race

1st Saints & Sinners, All Saints Church – Simon Gregory, Shaun Tipton, Gareth Walsh, Chris Thomas, Michael Mortensen, Tom Darlami

2nd Woodleys – Bruce Woodley, Joe Woodley, Beth Woodley and Antonia Fan

1st Junior, Gravy – George Chapman, Christina Clapp, George Anning and Oliver Buley

2nd Junior, Rib Stake – David Clapp, Charlie Pickering, Jacob Green, Jack Watson

CHILDREN’S DRAWING

Winners:

Kierra Gallagan

Rebecca Pocock

Arianna Perry

Emily Enneline

Izzy Davis

Edie Parker

Mary-Bess Burdus

Charlie Retter

Finlay Parker

Billie Burdus

CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS

All Prizes kindly donated by Gliddons Toys

0-5 years

1.Farmer, Finlay Parker

2.Fisherman, Alex Dunford

3.Bo Peep, Olivia Retter

6-9 years

1. Gingerbread Man, Izzy Davies

2. Sunflower, Edie Parker

Group

1.Nutcracker – Mary-Bess Burdus, Billie Burdus, William Lascelles, Sidney McLachlin

2. English Garden – Edie Parker, Finlay Parker, Esmeé Hudson

SHOP WINDOW COMPETITION

Winner - Grace Clarke from Sidmouth

SAILING RACES

Scorpion – Andy Hayman & Sofia Abrahams

Handicap – James Salter (Laser)

Beer Lugger - Chris & Heather Adkin (Brenda Jean)

Novice - Gary Anning (RS Quba)

Junior: Barres Barnes (Topper)