WHO ARE WE
The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta organising 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.
Laura Campbell
Chair
I joined the Dartmouth Regatta committee originally in 2021 just to run the Dartmouth Mayflower 400 River Parade for one year. This was an event I brought to Regatta from the project I had worked on previously, Dartmouth Mayflower 400. Fast forward five / six years and several more River Parade 's Im still here. This is the Regatta affect. During this time I also worked on Sponsorship, Media & Marketing and led the Re-Brand for the 180th and on. I had stepped back at the end of 2025, but rejoined Ed and the team in July to help deliver the 2026 Regatta. I'm honoured to have been voted into this role for 2027. I'm looking forward to working with my new team, many of whom I've worked alongside over the last few years at Regatta. Together we'll carry the Regatta's traditions forward, perhaps start a few new ones, and as always, plan to deliver another great event in 2027.
Amelia Wright
Hon Secretary & Officer
Jim cocker
Officer
karl stone
officer
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
JRSC Chair
Peter is Chair on the Joint Regatta Sailing Committee (JRSC) 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.
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
River Dart Rowing Club
West of England ARA
Southwest Coastal Rowing League
Dartmouth Amateur Athletics Club
Dartmouth Swimming Club
Dartmouth Outdoor Pool
Dartmouth Bell Ringers
President
Hilary Bastone
Principal Officers
Chair: Laura Campbell
Officers: Amelia Wright, Jim Cocker, Karl Stone
Hon Secretary: Amelia Wright
Honorary Stewards
Mr J Hulme, Mrs L Pearson, Mr H Bastone, Lt Col EBJ Botterill, Mr A Hodge, Mr JD Hawkins, Mr B Williams, Mr K Pyne, Mrs D Sheppard, Mr D Kelland, Mrs M Botterill
Throughout the Regatta period, the Committee’s General Headquarters will be in the Regatta Information Hut in the Royal Avenue Gardens.
