Through the 1970’s and 1980’s one of the favourite features of our Royal Regatta was the Torchlight Procession with children carrying naked flaming torches dripping wax in dinghies through a busy harbour at night. A nightmare for anyone versed in health and safety.

Last year we re-introduced the Illuminated River Procession (albeit with more stringent safety conditions!). Gone are the flaming torches replaced by fluorescent torches and a host of conditions to ensure the safety of all involved. So, if you are a participant please read the conditions and carefully and ensure that you are compliant. 

Vessels are to assemble off Sandquay from 8.45 p.m. and report to the marshal. They must wait to be called into line by the marshals before proceeding down river. The Lead Vessel will be the Greenway Ferries historic boat “The Fairmile” and will start the event at 9 p.m. or when given permission to sail. The Procession will start off Sandquay and proceed down river to The Bight.

All entrants must register their entry at the Regatta Information Office in the Royal Avenue Gardens by noon of the 31st August. Numbers will be allocated and a disclaimer form must be signed confirming insurance information. Fluorescent torches can be purchased from the Regatta Information Office during Regatta week.

All vessels must be self propelled and have adult supervision. All crew members must wear life jackets. Crews may illuminate their vessels as the wish but NO NAKED FLAMES will be allowed.  Please do not let off any emergency flares as this causes confusion and wasted resources for the emergency services and may lead to prosecution.
The Clerk of the course will ask vessels to leave the procession if required.
The Regatta Committee thanks the Harbour Authority for its co-operation in this rejuvenated event.