Regatta getting ready to Rocquaine roll
FINAL preparations are under way for this year’s Rocquaine Regatta, with new events that the organisers are hoping will draw the crowds tomorrow.
The annual free event will see the west coast bay transformed for an array of sea and beach activities.
Regatta president Jon Collenette said the volunteers were working hard to get everything ready.
‘The preparations are going well,’ he said.
‘We have some new events this year. We have the pallet smashing and the crab pot pulling.’
The pallet smashing will start with teams having to take part in a gurning competition, with the four winners – two men and two women – getting to take a team of five through to the competition. This will take place at 4pm.
The crab pot pulling will take place at 2pm and 3pm, with competitors having to drag a pot across the sand and into a boat.
‘The crab pots are pretty heavy,’ Mr Collenette said.
‘About 30 kilos. It will be hard work.’
All the equipment for the event started coming out the shed yesterday [Thurs] and the bunting was going up along the coast.
Mr Collenette said the forecast for Saturday was looking good.
‘It is due to be slightly cooler, with a light northerly wind, which is great for the events out in the bay,’ he said.
Sea events start at 10am and run until 2pm, when the tide will be dropping.
Beach events, including the greasy pole, chariot racing and wife carrying, will get under way at 1pm. The road events, including pavement art and a beauty contest, will start at noon. For detailed times, people can refer to the programme.
The biggest crowds are expected for the raft race, which will see vessels gathering by Fort Grey at noon and then setting off at 12.30pm.
As well as the beach activities, there are events on the road, such as the Rocquaine’s Got Talent competition at 2.15pm. In the evening there will be a barbecue and live music.
Islanders are being encouraged to walk or cycle to the regatta if possible, as parking is limited. Anyone who does drive is reminded not to block the Portelet bus stop.
CT Plus is putting on extra bus services, with the R1 going from Town to Pleinmont every two hours from 10.30pm until 6.30pm, with the last service at 7pm. There are then return journeys into Town until 10.30pm.
The R2 will go every hour from 9.22am from the Bridge to Rocquaine and there are regular services back until 10.15pm. Bus tickets cost £1, but services after 9.45pm cost £2.50. These services are in addition to the normal timetable.
