Sailing clubs along the River Exe are preparing for this year’s River Exe Regatta, taking place Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June 2018.
Registration to race is now open and helmsmen of monohulls, multihulls and cruisers are now being invited to enter and put their sailing skills to the test.
Hosted by Topsham Sailing Club this year, the Exe and Lympstone Sailing Clubs, Starcross Yacht Club and Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club will once again join forces for the well-established annual celebration of sailing on the waters of the Exe Estuary.
The two-day event saw more than 70 vessels take to the water in 2017 and this year is shaping up to be an even bigger sailing spectacle.
Peter Williams, Commodore of Topsham Sailing Club, said: “The River Exe offers an exciting variety of opportunities to get out on the water, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or are just looking for a leisurely weekend kayak. The Regatta celebrates all that sailing encompasses as a fantastically social sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.”
The first event of the weekend will challenge multihull vessels to race in the water between the ‘Exe Safe Water Mark’ just off Exmouth beach and Langstone Point. Following this, there will be a series of 18 races up and down the river to challenge competitors and entertain spectators.
As well as the activities on the water, there will be plenty for those who haven’t quite found their sea legs to enjoy, including a Caribbean themed party night at Topsham Sailing Club on Saturday 23rd June.
Peter added: “The River Exe Regatta is the highlight in the calendar of many competitive sailors in the area, but it’s not all about the racing. We’re encouraging junior sailors to develop their skills in a ‘Swallows and Amazons’ adventure up the river, as well as holding a dinghy cruise for non-racing sailors too.”
Sponsored by Dorton Demolition, Exe Sails and Covers, Tozers Solicitors, Whitton and Laing and KOR Communications, this year’s event has been adapted to make best use of the river, the tides and the sailing opportunities it presents.
The regatta is open to all monohull dinghies with a PY handicap between 790 and 1390, multihulls (Hurricanes and Darts), and cruisers that comply with Category 4 Offshore Racing Councils Special Regulations.
New members are welcome to at all of the River Exe sailing clubs. Please visit their websites for details.
To find out more, to register to race and for full terms and conditions, visit www.river-exe-regatta.org.uk. Follow River Exe Regatta on Twitter @RiverExeRegatta or Facebook/RiverExeRegatta for updates.