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)
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