Experience a world of excitement at the annual Whitby Regatta! Make sure you don’t miss this fantastic event.
Every year, Whitby attracts numerous visitors for its vibrant festivals, and the Whitby Regatta is a highlight. This three-day celebration is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. It showcases thrilling rowing team competitions, yacht races, and spirited contests among rafters along the stunning North Yorkshire coast. It is a perfect family day out in the summer.
What is the Whitby Regatta? A brief history
The Regatta started as a small competition between fishers and became England’s oldest sea regatta. Large crowds have gathered for the past 173 years. The event was started by anglers competing in their fishing boats. Yachts came to the area to race for the Whitby Challenge Cup in 1847.
The Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club sponsored the race, which paid the captains or owners 50 guineas. From 1847 to the mid-1930s, the yacht races became the main draw for the Regatta.
Unfortunately, the high costs associated with building large yachts, weighing around 20 tons, and the changes in the world have led to their gradual disappearance from the scene. Nowadays, maintaining such a yacht would likely be an immense financial burden.
The Regatta switched to rowing races in about 1872. Rowing continued to grow, with several regattas taking place along the English coast. Many of the rowing clubs in the original competitions are still around today. They compete in the modern Whitby Regatta, including Whitby’s Fisherman’s Amateur Rowing Club.
In 1929, the annual weekend celebration welcomed the introduction of fancy dress and decorated floats. This tradition remains part of the Whitby Regatta today.
Records from 1900 indicate that approximately 11,000 people attended the event, whereas today, the Regatta draws nearly 20,000 visitors over the weekend.
The Wilson Cup
This cup is awarded to the winner of the rowing competitions and was first presented in 1901, along with a prize of 25 pounds. The cup is one of the most coveted rowing trophies presented today.
Along with the rowing competitions, raft races are conducted with competitors trying to win at all costs. Competitors can add missiles to their raft’s construction. They must be harmless flour or soot bags used to shoot at their competitors.
Today, the Regatta draws crowds of 20,000
In 1900, 11,000 people attended the Regatta, and today, the three-day festival draws 20,000 people. It’s no longer just a rowing competition!
The Whitby Regatta also features activities for kids and families on all three days. Other events at the modern-day regatta include Army, Navy, and RAF displays.
Boat races are still some of the main events, and vehicles of other types are also featured. There are vintage, classic and sports car rallies at the Regatta, along with motorcycle displays, showing off riders’ skills on Whitby’s beach.
The event finishes with an impressive fireworks display.
Getting to the Whitby Regatta
With so many people attending the event, bus and rail services are available to help you get there. You don’t have to worry about driving through the mass of Regatta attendees.
The schedule for public transportation, the events list, and other information are on the Whitby Regatta Facebook page or their website at www.whitbyregatta.co.uk.
Whether you attend the fair, watch the boat races or see the aerobatic stunts of the Red Arrows, the RAF’s display team, prepare to have fun at the Whitby Regatta!
Visiting the Whitby Regatta promises a remarkable experience filled with excitement, community spirit, and maritime culture. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories, connect with friendly locals, and witness this historic event.
