Annual event succeeds again on land and in the water
THE Rocquaine Regatta had a beach party atmosphere as hundreds of people descended on the Route de la Lague area on Saturday.
Water sports in the morning gave way to games on the sand in the afternoon before live bands took centre stage as the sun went down.
The event was first held in 1910 and apart from the Great War years ran until 1926. Relaunched in 1971 by John Le Couteur and the late Hugh Lenfestey, it has taken place every year since.
Vice-president Brian Staples was asked to help with the rowing and tug-of-war in 1971 and more than 50 years later he is still doing it.
‘Many of the committee are Le Couteurs or Strappinis and it’s one big happy family,’ he said.
As if to highlight the point, Rick Strappini was president up to a couple of years ago and his sons, Bob and Dan, and nephew Antonio are now on the committee.
A new trophy was awarded for this year’s sandcastle making competition. The Mitch Sneddon Memorial Trophy is in memory of the former regatta vice-president who died suddenly in December.
Mr Strappini said Mr Sneddon was sorely missed and committee colleagues had drank a toast to him at the vin d’honneur that was held in Fort Grey on the eve of the event.
‘Mitch was a hard worker and a perfectionist and no matter what he got involved in, whether it was producing the programme or finding sponsors, he improved things,’ said Mr Strappini.
Adam and Rachel Skinner, and children Alfie, 7, and Elsie, 4, said they attended the Rocquaine Regatta every year.
Alfie, who goes to Hautes Capelles, was taking part in one of the day’s earliest events, the pavement drawing, where he drew the regatta.
‘I think I like the races on the beach the best and the one where you have to race on all fours,’ he said.
His mother said the event was one of the highlights of the family’s summer.
‘There’s so many things to do for all the family throughout the day and you don’t get the chance to get bored,’ she said.
