Guernsey's newest regatta promises free family fun

Thursday, 29 August 2024 12:40

The Havelet Regatta is into its second year and organisers say entry for virtually all the events will be free.

The Havelet Regatta is the brainchild of Barrie and Odette Duerden. Odette said she felt like reviving the idea of a sea based fun day:

"There used to be loads of regattas in Guernsey but they've slowly died out over time.

"One day I looked out over Havelet and it was just a sea of activity down there, sailing, swimming, paddle boarding and rowing, and I said to my husband, 'it's odd that there isn't a regatta here, as it's set up for one'."

It wasn't long before husband Barrie, who Odette describes as a 'doer' got the event off the ground for 2023:

"We got support from local company Voyonic. The Guernsey Cheshire Home is the event's charitable partner, with every penny we raise going to them."

Odette says the second regatta wasn't necessarily easier to organise:

"Last year we had a new born, now we've got this erratic toddler. We're learning a lot."

Odette says the Regatta brings the community together. The Guernsey Yacht and Rowing Clubs are organising offshore races. There is a swimming race for more serious swimmers while on the beach there are fun and wacky races for children and families.

Artist Bridget Spinney is creating a piece of community art in the shape of a giant octopus drawn in the sand, which will be decorated by people with scallop shells.

Both Barrie and Odette are keen on sustainable transport and there will be lots of bike spaces available.

The evening ends with local band Buffalo Huddleston.

The Regatta means the South Esplanande is closed between 7am and 9pm but there is access to La Vallette and Les Terres from Havelet.