THE FOWEY REGATTA 2023 TAKES PLACE IN THE SOUTH CORNISH TOWN BETWEEN SUNDAY 13 AND SATURDAY 19 AUGUST 2023. THIS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST REGATTAS IN CORNWALL 2023 SO PREPARE FOR A FEAST ON THE WAVES…
What is a regatta? Quite simply, it’s a sporting event consisting of a series of boat or yacht races. But what really is a regatta? Ah, well, really it’s chance for visitors to see top quality sailing events out on the waves as they enjoy awesome entertainment, good company and great food and drink back on dry land. And one of the best regattas in our part of the world? The Fowey Royal Regatta. Hands down.
The serene south Cornish town of Fowey is a hive of both land and sea activity for this historical regatta every year. The Fowey Regatta 2023 takes place between Sunday 13 and Saturday 19 August 2023. Expect one of Britain’s premier sailing events out there on the waves alongside hours of fun for all the family in what’s dubbed Fowey Carnival Week 2023 back on dry land.
Thousands of people from far and wide flock to the regatta every year, where there’s seemingly as many activities on offer for the kids as there is for the adults. There’s a carnival procession during the week, as well as some impressive fireworks displays and even some crab-catching competitions.
One of the big highlights is traditionally an eight-foot-long pasty ceremony, where the giant oggy is brought over from Polruan to Fowey‘s town quay by boat, accompanied by music, before being cut and doled out to any hungry kids who want a taste. There’s also a pasty-eating competition that’s a must-see.
Also enjoy the Fowey harbour swim, the floral dances, the traditional crowning of the carnival queen and the regular music in the air courtesy of Fowey Town Band, plus there’s live music every night at the town quay, including, in past years, a Beatles tribute band and local rock acts.
Of course the races out on the big blue are the centrepieces of the week at the Fowey Regatta 2023. There are dinghy races, working boats, cruisers and plenty of other craft to see in action, including the famous Troys, a class of sailing boat built only in Fowey. There was even a Fowey Classic Car Show that took place at the jam-packed 2022 edition and a vehicle parade. The Fowey Classic Car Show 2023 is held on Wednesday 16 August 2023 at the Fowey River Academy in Windmill.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert once attended this regatta, which has been going since as far back as 1835 and even predates the foundation of the town’s yacht and sailing clubs. The late Queen Elizabeth II has even enjoyed the races as they take place around Fowey‘s magnificent harbour that provides a natural arena for the thrills and spills on the waves.
Make sure you get a good vantage spot in one of the town’s winding streets and enjoy right royal celebration of the sea during this historical week in Fowey. Now if that doesn’t float your boat, we’re not sure what will!