Second Havelet Regatta ‘to be bigger and better’
Havelet Regatta is set to be bigger and better this weekend as it takes place for the second year on Sunday.
Last year’s inaugural regatta was a new event in a new location with new activities.
On the last weekend before schools go back, a variety of free entertainment for all ages will once again be held along the South Esplanade and Havelet Bay.
‘Last year was a great success, and we’re hoping to repeat that but make it bigger and better,’ said organiser and founder Odette Duerden.
‘There are elements that are the same, but the tide is different this year, which means less time for activities on the beach.’
An activity bingo card for children has been devised, with the goal of ticking off 10 of the 16 activities on offer from 11am to 7pm.
Families are encouraged to get involved in activities on the beach first before the tide comes up.
‘We have arts and crafts, land games, beach games, the climbing tower – there are lots of different things that we would love people to try out,’ said co-organiser and founder Barrie Duerden.
‘Office chair racing was really popular with spectators last year, although we could do with a few more entries this year. It’s helpful to know how many will be entering so we can prepare, but you can also make a team and join on the day.
‘It’s a real highlight but it needs competitors.’
The entry cost is £10 per team of four, will all proceeds going to the Guernsey Cheshire Home.
Last year, the regatta raised £7,000.
Guernsey Rowing Club will be hosting its ‘have a go row’,and Guernsey Yacht Club is putting on races for juniors and seniors.
When the tide is high, the RNLI will be doing a sail past of its vessels which will have commentary with information about each one.
Music will start from 6pm by bands GU10, the Button Pushers and Buffalo Huddleston.
‘Our model is quite different to other events with everything free to access, as other events can end up being expensive days out for families,’ said Mrs Duerden.
‘Everything is free but everything has to be paid for, so we are enormously grateful to our sponsors, and it’s their gift to the community too.’
More than 80 volunteers will be helping out with the event.
The full programme can be found at www.haveletregatta.gg.
