Charlestown Regatta Week normally starts on the first Saturday in August, but for 2014 the event will start on the last Saturday in July. August visitors can still enjoy the final day of the event which spills over into August.
As locals will tell you, the delightful old harbour town of Charlestown always does a great job of hosting the Charlestown Regatta Week. The week-long programme includes water sports, games, music and entertainment on the harbourside and in the Regatta Playing Fields of this pretty fishing village.
Charlestown has a UNESCO World Heritage status and is a delightful old village to explore on foot. Amble around the harbour which is frequently used for the filming of historical dramas and pay a visit to the fascinating Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre, one of the most colourful and interesting museums I have ever visited.
Charlestown Regatta Week raises funds for local projects
The main purpose of the regatta is to raise funds for local community projects such as providing and maintaining play equipment in the aptly named Regatta Playing Field. In recent years the regatta has paid for beautiful new granite gate posts and black steel gates to give the park a smart finish.
The Charlestown Regatta Week also raises money to put on a Christmas lunch for senior citizens, with the remainder going to support local charities.
What I found so nice about attending the Charlestown Regatta Week was that there were plenty of events for non-sailing types too.
On the opening Saturday the Charlestown Regatta kicks off with a Fun Triathlon which include a 200m sea swim, a four mile cycle race and finishes with a two mile run. This will sort out the men from the boys, metaphorically speaking of course. There's the crowning of the Regatta Queen, water polo, raft races to watch and sailing events to cheer on as well as plenty of sideshows, food and entertainment.
Enjoy a sea voyage on a historic tall ship
All types of competitive sailing races take place throughout the week and are great to watch. However, the chance to take a trip on one of the historic Tall Ships is an irresistible opportunity for most visitors, whether they love history or just want to feel the salt wind in their hair as the lofty sails help the wooden ship pick up quite a speed at sea!
Getting the ships back into the harbour with its tricky dogleg entrance and erratic tides using just sail power is well worth watching. Smaller fishing boats also offer rides around the harbour and bay.
Jazz, blues and bands at the Charlestown Regatta Week
Sea Sunday is usually advertised as a “Lazy Sunday on the Quay”. Relax to the sounds of the Cape Cornwall Singers or take a seat at one of the tables and enjoy a scrumptious clotted cream tea. Nowhere does them better than Cornwall!
The National Coastwatch, Sea Cadets, Coastguard Service and the Fowey Lifeboat will all be attending and providing nautically-themed games and a BBQ.
The programme for 2014 includes great sounds from the award-winning “The Claze” on the quay on Monday evening. There are children sports, races and egg-throwing contests in the Regatta Field on Tuesday evening and dance exhibitions and live music at the Youth Kicks event on Wednesday.
Thursday evening at 7pm is the start of the Grand Regatta Carnival, so pick a good spot to watch the parade as it progresses along the streets. The procession is led by the Bugle Silver Band and Mount Charles Youth Band, so they would appreciate your support and cheers! Later that evening there is more music with Last Night of the Proms in the park, not quite on the scale of London's Hyde Park, but close enough for Charlestown folk!
Friday night there's more live music from three live bands with Regatta Rocks from 6:30pm. Fleetwood Mac fans are in for a treat with the tribute band “Tango in the Night” performing their top hits with amazingly similar looks and sound.
All the events are thanks to the generous support of local sponsors, ranging from St Austell Brewery to local hotels and businesses. It's a local team effort for sure, but everyone has a good time.
If you've ever visited Charlestown or live in the area you will know how delightfully unspoilt this village is. Feel free to share your favourite places in Charlestown with us, or let us know what you enjoyed most at the Charlestown Regatta Week. We love to get comments from both visitors and local residents.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.
I think it’s wonderful that this event is able to support so many local projects. A great reason to show your support.