Dover Community Regatta 2016

by Justine Wingate 27 Jul 2016 06:49 PDT 23 July 2016

Dover Community Regatta 2016 © David Frazer Photography

The sun glinted off the turquoise sea in Dover harbour on Saturday 23 July as the Port of Dover Community Regatta got underway. It was 'anchors aweigh' at 9.30am with the start of the Port Dash, which saw teams race across the harbour in Thames cutters, pitting their wits against the waves and challenging their strength to raise funds for this year's charity, the Dover Sea Cadets.

The contest was hard fought but congratulations go to The Wacky Racers for winning the challenging final. A total of £1260 was raised for the Dover Sea Cadets – well done to all involved.

Thanks go to the Hythe Bay Restaurant and P&O Ferries for providing the fantastic prizes and to the Dover Sea Cadets for providing the Coxswains, a Safety Boat and the Beach Masters, Riley's Marine for providing the main Community Boat and a Safety Boat and the Royal Cinque Port Yacht Club for providing the buoys for this "oar-some" event.

Lunchtime was no time to 'pipe down' for the Dover Sea Cadets Band as they provided the music in the arena.

Then it was 'all hands on deck' for the Dover RNLI crew who wowed onlookers with their breath-taking recreation of a man-overboard scenario and rescue. Thanks to the brave crewmen of the Dover Lifeboat for showcasing their skills and entertaining the crowds again this year.

There was no 'taking the wind from the sails' of the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Race as they sprinted across the harbour to the finish line.

Along with all of this the day also included a classic car display, free sailing tasters, and other activities including a children's fun fair and sporting activities with Dover Rugby Club. Stalls lined the seafront offering everything from food, drinks, crafts and community information to local produce, glitter tattoos and charities.

Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, Tim Waggott said: "The Port of Dover Community Regatta has always been a fantastic free summer family event along our beautiful seafront. Bringing the Port and the community together, it is always a triumph but this year has been exceptional. As well as a superb day of entertainment, by joining forces with the Dover Music Festival, the first ever 'Dover Festival' weekend event was launched at our magnificent Cruise Terminal 1 building to the delight of the music fans attending."

"I would personally like to thank everyone who made this event possible for all of their exceptionally hard work and dedication to our commitment to be the best port in the world for our customers and our community. My thanks also go to all of those who supported and participated in the weekend's events, helping make this years' flagship summer event another resounding success."

www.doverport.co.uk