Roll up for the Rocquaine Regatta this Saturday

RECORD crowds are expected at this year’s Rocquaine Regatta as the event is likely to be the only traditional summer one to go ahead.

Jon Collenette is the president of the Rocquaine Regatta which is taking place on Saturday. The regatta will include all the traditional family-friendly favourites such as the wellie and rolling-pin throwing competitions, as well as raft races, crab pot pulling, chariot and stilt racing. (Picture By Peter Frankland, 28623587)

It will be taking place on Saturday, rescheduled from the original 25 July.

The event’s president Jon Collenette sais: ‘We’re delighted it’s going ahead. Initially we thought it might not happen then we found that it rained on the original date, so maybe now with it taking place in September it might be better weather for it anyway.

‘We’re expecting record crowds given that it will be the only traditional summer event to go ahead.

‘A perfect end to the summer holidays before term starts, it has the potential to be one of the biggest legal organised events in Great Britain post-March if last year’s numbers are anything to go by.’

All the usual family favourites will be taking place, like throwing the welly, Rocquaine’s got talent, crab pot pulling, chariot and stilt racing, but there is particular emphasis this year on sea events.

The Portelet to Le Crocq du Sud bay swim will take place early morning with numbers limited on a first come first served basis.

In addition, their blue riband event, the raft race, known as ‘the embodiment of the Regatta’ – a free family event of adventurous fun on the sea – will assemble in the morning too.

Event organisers are also encouraging families to have a go in their Regatta rowing boats and enter one of the impromptu races if they can.

‘It’s all about taking part, people getting stuck in and having as much fun as possible,’ added Mr Collenette.

‘Rowing skills especially are on the wane in the island so this is the perfect opportunity to see what this traditional past time is all about.

‘Plus we’ll have all the old fashioned events going, it’s what people love and because it’s a spring tide we’ll have the whole beach and the sea – it’ll be a great day.’

The day will finish off in the field opposite Fort Grey with live music from local bands and licensed bar organised by the Vale Earth Fair, accompanied by a mackerel barbecue.

n To view the day’s activities, visit https://online.pubhtml5.com/wrmw/pqbj/.