Rocquaine Regatta is back for 52nd edition
ORGANISERS of tomorrow’s Rocquaine Regatta are confident that the joyous spirit of the NatWest International Island Games will carry over into this year’s beach event.
The annual regatta returns for its 52nd edition, and new organising committee president Pierre Lenfestey, who has recently taken over from previous incumbent Jon Collenette, was hopeful that some of the visitors to the island for the Games would still be here for the event.
‘It’s always so popular and it’s embedded in Guernsey culture in terms of what it offers. We’d be delighted if visitors stayed,’ he said.
All of the traditional competitions from past regattas are on the schedule, with the Portelet to Le Crocq-du-Sud swimming race starting proceedings at 9am.
Places on the swim are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, with 60 available.
Other competitions include a five-a-side football tournament, chariot racing and various throwing events, with a BBQ and live music bringing the day to a close.
Many of the events are also family-friendly, with a sandcastle competition, raft race and greasy pole contest all featuring.
‘It’s quite the sight to see all of the rafts set off and make their way across the bay,’ Mr Lenfestey said.
He was also looking forward to two newer competitions, namely the wife-carrying and husband-dragging races.
‘They were only introduced last year but they have immediately became a crowd favourite.
‘The wife-carrying is relatively self-explanatory. For the husband-dragging, one of the couple competing downs a pint while the other hangs out laundry on a washing line and runs to get their partner once they’ve finished hanging it all out, and “drags” them home once the pint has been successfully downed.
‘It got seriously competitive last year and I think we will get some husband-and-wife teams who will be eagerly returning this time around.’
Punters will also be able to get their hands on new regatta-themed T-shirts, complete with a logo created by local designer Aimee Le Prevost.
‘They’re selling like hotcakes. The logo looks great and fits in with the tradition of the regatta really nicely.’
The event is free. Parking is restricted, and people are advised to travel by bus. The coast road will be closed during the regatta.
. For full details, visit the Rocquaine Regatta Facebook page.
