The 2016 Mersea Regatta will take place on Mersea Island on Saturday 20th August. This event has been a long fixture in the local calendar, with origins dating back to 1838. If you’re staying in the area when it’s taking place, make sure you swing by.
Boat Racing
On regatta day over 200 boats will take to the seas to take part in boat racing events. The racing begins at 9am and is split into 13 different categories. Among the competing boat classes will be classic yachts, fisherman’s boats and smacks. If you’re a keen sailor, you may even be able to take part yourself – sign up via the West Mersea Yacht Club’s website.
Two weeks before the Mersea Regatta, the Cobmnarsh Marathon will occur. This pair-oared rowing race will take participants around Cobmarsh Island and will be followed by a prize-giving event at a local pub. If you miss the results of the racing, they will be published on the official regatta website via: mersearegatta.org.uk/results.htm
Activities and Entertainment
When the boat racing has finished and the waters are clear, there will be an afternoon of water sports. Along with beach classics, events in outboard motor balloon racing, rowing and swimming will take place. If you’re really up for a challenge you can even test your acrobatic prowess in the “Walk the Greasy Pole” challenge. All of the water sports activities are completely free of charge and you don’t need to book in advance – just turn up at the starting line!
Other waterside attractions include displays from local clubs, food and drink stalls, local entertainment and a concert brass band. Refreshments and souvenirs will be available outside the Old Lifeboat Station. Here you will also find workers from the charity giving demonstrations.
Fireworks Display
At the conclusion of the Mersea Regatta there will be a grand firework display, which will take place at 9pm. Funding collectors will be in attendance collecting donations for next year’s fireworks display, so please give generously! This year there will be a 20 minute display costing over £6000 (funded by last year’s event) which will include a five minute rocket.
Mersea Week
The regatta is just one fixture in the Mersea Week calendar. There will also be a full week of sailing and social activities leading up to the event. The waters of the River Blackwater are highly sheltered and calm, providing the perfect conditions for the creation of quality race courses. For more information on the activities occurring throughout the week, check out the Dabchicks Sailing Club and Mersea Yacht Club. Whether you’d like to get involved yourself or simply spectate, there’s bound to be something that’ll keep you entertained.
The Mersea Regatta is one of the most popular events in the town. It’s a time for all of the population to each other’s company and celebrate their glorious accomplishments. With a carnival vibe that’s often lost among British towns in modern times, it truly is a refreshing sight to see.
If you are attending this year and need accommodation, check out our Mersea Island Holiday Park and book with us today. We look forward to seeing you.