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

Thirteen years ago I volunteered to assist the Regatta Committee to put up and take down their bunting. 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 10th and final year 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 its soon to be 180 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

JSRC 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.

Jenny Pichowski

Deputy 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.

Matt Theaker

Deputy Chair

My family and I love Dartmouth, and all the excitement that Regatta brings. Having holidayed here for numerous years we moved here six years ago. It was the best decision we ever made. It was a cold and wet evening in January when my wife Beth and I first walked into a crowded Guildhall, to be introduced to a plethora of committee members who we are now very pleased to call friends. We were soon overwhelmed by the charms of Lisa Chandler, becoming members a few months thereafter. It was not long after that our son joined the ranks, to make it a truly family affair. From the moment the bunting is hung, to the last firework, I can sense the excitement in town. As a member of the Dartmouth gig club, I can't wait to see the first whalers and gigs slip into the river Dart. I love the tradition and the family favourites that the event brings, especially the fancy dress and ice cream eating competitions. I am so proud to be a custodian of this historical gathering, that never fails to enthral locals and visitors of all ages. Whether it is your 1st or 70th Regatta, please come and seek us out in the Royal Avenue Gardens, you cannot miss our pink t-shirts.

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:  Jenny Pichowski, Matt Theaker
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.

and where would we be without our Volunteer Star collectors!
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