DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA

Regatta week this year is starting on Saturday 24th August with the Official Port of Dartmouth being held on 29th, 30th and 31st August 2024. We will be cruising into the event on Saturday 31st August as one of their main days and the grand finale of the event. Leave the stress of parking to our crew by jumping on board Pride of Exmouth, sit back and enjoy the event.

The first recorded regatta was in 1822 before it was formally established in 1834. Originally there were just three sailing events, one six-oared gig race, a military band and around 100 people attended the ball.

In 1856, it was bestowed the title of a royal regatta when the day before the regatta started, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and the Prince of Wales, came into Dartmouth in a flotilla of boats on an impromptu visit caused by bad weather.  Prince Albert and his son went up the river in the new steamboat, Dartmouth, which had only arrived on the river the previous day.  The Queen followed in the state barge. The Queen and Prince Albert then donated money for three rowing races, to be competed for by the sailors of Dartmouth before bestowing the Royal title on the regatta as they set sail for Plymouth the following day.

Today the regatta is run through a committee, who write each year to the Monarch to request the renewal of the Royal Patronage.

All the community of Dartmouth get involved in the occasion, shops and cafes have a fabulous array of window displays and the houses in the town dress their windows, with a prize going to the winner!

As with every year, the 2023 Dartmouth Royal Regatta will not disappoint with a brimming schedule with for everyone!

On the water there are plenty of sailing and rowing events, including the Regatta, Classic and Gaffer Series. The rowing events have Bungee Rowing – as incredible to watch as it sounds, along with the traditional crowd-pleasing Pilot Gig races.

In amongst the vessels on the water you will also find Stand-Up Paddleboards where you can either watch the races or even go for a taster session if you fancy trying it for yourself!

In the town there is a vast selection of craft stalls, markets and a fete all bought to life with live music, a local town band and Morris Dancing!

As this is a sea-going cruise, the sea state can be affected by the weather and the winds. If the weather conditions are unsuitable for a pleasant trip, we reserve the right to cancel. In these circumstances, we will offer to transfer you onto another date or issue you with a refund.

The Dartmouth Regatta is one of the most famous in the country and is a true celebration of the water - what better way to enjoy it than with a cruise with us – we’d love for you to join us on this incredible day trip in Devon!