Salcombe Town Regatta

The definition of a Regatta is ‘a sporting event consisting of a series of boat or yacht races.’ However, Salcombe Town Regatta is so much more than just this, teaming age-old traditions with family-friendly fun. The week-long event consists of sandcastle competitions, races, sports, and of course sailing. There’s plenty of activities for the kids including mud races, crab catching and the greasy pole competition, where a telegraph pole is laid over the water while kids battle each other with pillows, trying not to fall off.

The Regatta has two main events towards the end of the week. The spectacular Firework display on the Thursday evening, and the crabbers race on the Friday. Crabbing boats from Salcombe and neighbouring towns do a loop of the harbour, heading out to the bar and back again, dressed up in fancy dress.

As evening falls, the harbour is lit up by fishing boats all decked out in fairy lights and lanterns. The week ends with a prize giving session and torch-lit lantern procession through Salcombe.