Fun for all - Dartmouth Royal Regatta

In excess of 200 sailing craft of all sizes ranging from dinghies to yachts will compete in more than 15 racing events between Thursday 27 and Saturday 29 August during the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, which forms part of Dartmouth Week (23-30 August).

The regatta takes place against the backdrop of the picturesque South Devon town of Dartmouth, whose quaint houses line the harbour and creep up the gently sloping hills beyond.

As well as the water-based activities, spectacular air displays will also form part of the programme. Air and sea rescue demonstrations, fly-pasts by a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane to commemorate the Battle of Britain, plus breathtaking aerial acrobatic displays by the Red Arrows and an appearance by the Black Knights Army Parachute Team will entertain spectators of all ages.

Food, craft and gift stalls, musical entertainment, barrel rolling contests, fancy dress races and a parade through the town will also take place during the regatta, with festivities culminating in a fantastic firework display on the Saturday night.

The Regatta Guardship for 2009, HMS Tyne, will be joined in the harbour by a melee of vessels from elegant traditional wooden yachts to spinnakers and steamboats, many adorned with colourful flags and bunting to add to the festival atmosphere.

On Wednesday 26th August Dartmouth Week festivities include the arrival of a huge cruise liner, Azamara Journey, into the harbour. The largest ever cruise ship to moor in the River Dart creating a challenge for the harbour master, the 11-deck liner has a tonnage of 30,277, is 593ft long and 95ft wide, and will provide a wonderful spectacle for visitors and locals alike.

Further information can be found on dartmouthregatta.co.uk. For more details about the wealth of things to see and do, together with information about places to stay, log on to visitsouthdevon.co.uk to request a free copy of the South Devon Guide.