Ninth River Exe Regatta at Exe Sailing Club - Preview

by Mike Rice 12 May 2009 08:45 BST 27-28 June 2009

The ninth running of the River Exe Regatta will take place over the weekend 27/28 June 2009, hosted by Exe Sailing Club and sponsored by Pennys Estate Agents, Sailsport and All Gadgets Marine of Exmouth.

The regatta is run jointly by the four sailing clubs on the Exe: Exe Sailing Club, Lympstone Sailing Club, Starcross Yacht Club and Topsham Sailing Club. Each year one of the clubs takes the lead in organising the event and hosting the social events.

Around 100 boats are expected. There will be racing for three dinghy classes (by handicap), dayboats and mulithulls. Weather permitting, dinghies classes 1 and 2 (PY 1174 or lower and Devon Yawls) and the multihulls will sail out at sea. Dinghies class 3 and Lasers will race in the Exe, between Starcross and Lympstone. Sailboards will race off the seafront at Exmouth. The cruiser programme is a change from previous years, with one coastal race on both days.

There is also a programme of events for junior sailors, based around Exe SC. For the first time this year the regatta will include a big prize fishing contest organised jointly by Exmouth Deep Sea Fishing Club and Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club.

On the Saturday evening there will be a party at Exe SC with a live band and firework display. After racing on Sunday there will be the legendary regatta tea and free prize draw, sponsored by Sailsport. Over £1,000 worth of Gill clothing will be given away, but you have to be there in person to collect a prize!

Entry forms and full race documentation are available from the Regatta website at www.river-exe-regatta.org.uk . Entry before noon on 24 June is free – late entries will cost £10 per boat.