West Mersea Town Regatta 2008

Saturday 23rd of August

 

The West Mersea Town Regatta is one of, if not the biggest annual event for Mersea Island. It's been running since 1838 and features an abundance of activities on the water and a great night on land.

 

What's Happening

In the morning... Sailing Races start at 9am on the day with around 200 boats taking part, split into 23 different classes. The boats range from Smacks, Racing and Classic Yachts to Fisherman's Open Boats and Dinghy Classes. Entry Forms for the sailing events are available in the Regatta Programme.

 

In the afternoon... Watersports get underday in the afternoon, with a variety of rowing races, an Outboard Motor Balloon Race, swimming race and the ever popular Assault Boat Race. The final event is 'Walking the Greasy Pole' which is rigged over the side of the Thames Barge Committee Boat. Entries for the watersports are free and you don't need to enter - just be on the start line.

 

In the evening... A grand firework display takes place at dusk. Please remember to give generously to the bucket collection which will be at the event, as this is the only funding for the display.

 

Attractions on the day... You'll find displays and stalls on the car park, the bocking concert brass band, Bert Stock's Fair, refreshments and RNLI souvenirs at the Old Lifeboat Station as well as Regatta T-Shirts, Sweats and Polo shirts.

 

Evening Entertainment

To sum up, expect the following:-

 

• Great local food stalls.
• Fantastic beer tents and bars from the local pubs, bars and restaurants.
• Displays from local businesses.
• A fun fair.
• Fireworks display (quite a big one, we might add).
• Fun watersports.
• Boat races.

 

Getting Here

Try our Getting Here Guide.

 

Parking

There will be free parking at the School Field in Barfield Road, West Mersea. Parking restrictions apply in West Mersea, so you may have to do some hunting to find a space if the school field isn't for you!