WHO ARE WE
The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta committee is made up entirely of volunteers. And to put on an event of this size takes a lot of hard work… it is a big responsibility and the committee are merely custodians of this historical event for the community. There are currently 39 of us, all either living or working in Dartmouth and surrounding area: all of us passionate about our town and the Regatta. Which is just as well. Planning for the next year starts immediately after the preceding event, with monthly committee meetings happening whether in person or on Zoom in the new world.
It is quite incredible that the committee receives no funding of any source, relying entirely on sponsors, raising income and donations. It is also incredible that so many give their time so freely and for nothing, except the satisfaction of a job well done. But it isn’t just the committee that make Regatta happen, it is also our helpers throughout the week, shaking collecting tins, manning safety boats, selling our Grand Draw raffle tickets. It is the local businesses who support the rowing races, the sailing and who feed us fish and chips when putting Regatta bunting up in the evening rain! If you would like to find out how you could be involved in our merry band of helpers and team, contact us.
Ed Botterill
Regatta Chairman
Ten years ago I volunteered to assist the Regatta Committee to put up and take down their bunting – I thought this was a decent exchange of my time for the nearly 40 years that I had enjoyed attending and taking part in the fun event. A few years, and several bunting emergencies passed, as did assisting with the Crabbing Competition, Spot the Oddity, Best Dressed Window, table centrepiece decorations for the Regatta Ball, Splat the Rat, shifts in the Information Hut, gathering raffle prizes, shaking collecting tins, running the Grand Draw and a year as Vice-Chairman. Now as Chairman, looking ahead to my 7th Regatta in the 8 years of my tenure, I see an event that has both stayed the same but is also evolving and reassuring it’s place in our town’s calendar and heart each year. The event will continue to both stay the same and evolve, as it has done for most of it’s 178 iterations.
Hilary Bastone
President
I came to Dartmouth in July 1974 living in Bed & Breakfast accommodation but soon realised that Regatta was something special as I tried to book accommodation forward. The last Thursday of August arrived and I witnessed crowds five deep on the Embankment and had to go and have a look as to what the attraction was. It was the Men’s Senior coxed fours race. After settling into my new job I made acquaintance with George Ball who worked at the accountants Bishop Fleming but was also Treasurer of the Regatta. He invited me along to a Regatta committee in April 1975 and that was it, I was a committee member! At that time the Regatta committee, some 50 strong with dignitaries of the town, ensured that everyone in the town was involved and supportive of the annual event. The Regatta committee is still 30 strong with a diverse selection of townspeople all dedicated to producing the ‘best Regatta in the South West’. For me the event is in my ‘blood’ and for many others it is the ‘look forward to’ event of the year with its outstanding sailing events, the plethora of rowing events, the excitement of the swimming at the outdoor pool and the multitude of events designed invite the interest of everyone of all ages.
Peter Boote
Sailing Chairman
Peter is Chairman on the Joint Regatta Sailing Committee and is responsible for the sailing side of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. He is also Vice Commodore of the Royal Dart Yacht Club and becomes Commodore in April 2021. Peter and his wife Maggie live just outside Dartmouth and they moved to Devon from Rutland 26 years ago becoming members of Royal Dart Yacht Club with their Squib. Since then they have owned several yachts during which time Maggie served on the General Committee and was a founding member of Ladies Afloat. Peter now sails a restored Yachting World Diamond classic day boat. The sailing is in safe and capable hands with Peter, who runs a tight ship! Please come along and support the event: either watch the dinghy racing from the Royal Dart Yacht Club and Dittisham Sailing Club, or the yacht racing is best viewed from along our beautiful coastline.
John Lagdon
Deputy Chair
Being from a Dartmouth family, Regatta has always been a highlight of the year for me. When I was younger, I would go to sit in the ringing chamber of St. Saviour’s with all the bell ringers waiting to hear the 08:00 gun fire… I still get a massive smile on my face after as the first gun of Regatta fires on the Thursday morning as it means Regatta is finally here! I took part in the Swimming Gala for quite a number of years when I was in swimming club, with some success. The Scout rowing race was always good fun… especially ‘visiting’ the Res Nova the first year we took part, though the crew I was in did end up winning it three years running after that… and more latterly the Dartmouth Bell Ringers team in the Invitation Whaler race… this one highlighted to me how far it is between the Higher and Lower ferries when you’re not walking… My favourite part of Regatta is getting to see the Band of HM Royal Marines in Dartmouth again, not an often occurrence since the departure of the Dartmouth band back in 2009 but definitely a sight and sound that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck For the event I look after the Traffic Management, Waste Management, Electrician, PAS plus anything else that comes my way… generally all the ‘boring but important’ stuff ends up coming my way
Jenny Pichowski
Vice Chair
I am born and bred in Dartmouth and the Regatta has always been a big part of my life; from as early as I can remember, I was always so excited for Regatta week to arrive. I love competitive sport, and so being a part of the local rowing is something I really love. There is always such a fantastic community feel, reinforcing how special it is to live here. I have also competed in the WEARA rowing in the past, another favourite day of racing for me. Now it is fantastic to see my kids taking part too, especially on the water, and doing so well. A highlight of the event for me has to be the Kon-Tiki raft race, I absolutely love it! It never goes according to plan, and 2019 was no different…I am aiming for a better finish position! Being a part of the Regatta team is incredibly exciting, and I am really looking forward to being a part of such a passionate group of volunteers. If you see me during Regatta I am likely to be with my dog Stanley (and maybe a notebook!) so do say hello to us both.
Karl Stone
Vice Chair
Patrons
David Fursdon Esq, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Devon
Facilitators
Devon County Council
South Hams District Council
Dartmouth Town Council
Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority
Naval Regional Commander, Wales & Western England
Britannia Royal Naval College
Supporters
Royal Dart Yacht Club
Dartmouth Yacht Club
Dittisham Yacht Club
Dartmouth Amateur Rowing Club
Dartmouth Gig Club
Dartmouth Amateur Athletics Club
Dartmouth Tennis Club
President
Hilary Bastone
Principal Officers
Chairman: Ed Botterill
Deputy Chair: John Lagdon
Vice Chair: Karl Stone, Jenny Pichowski
Treasurer: Jenny Pichowski
Secretary: Mel Botterill
Honorary Stewards
Mr J Hulme, Mrs L Pearson, Mr H Bastone, Mr MJ Bowden, Mrs P Norton, Mr A Hodge, Mr R Rendle MBE,
Throughout the Regatta period, the Committee’s General Headquarters will be in the Regatta Information Hut in the Royal Avenue Gardens.
