Dartmouth Regatta 2025 - A History
The first rowing and sailing regatta on the River Dart was recorded in 1822, with the Dartmouth Regatta officially established in 1834. Hosting a range of exciting rowing and sailing races, the Regatta was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1856, who donated prize money and bestowed the title of ‘Royal’ upon the event.
Initially a one-day event, 1861 saw the first two-day regatta, with the second day set aside for yacht racing. The Dart Yacht Club was formed in 1866, taking responsibility for the sailing element of the Regatta.
The Dartmouth Amateur Rowing Club was formed in 1969, and a variety of rowing boats, including single skulls, double skulls, pair-oared boats and eights were introduced to the competition.
The Dartmouth Regatta is always held from Thursday to Saturday, including the last Friday in August, with this year’s event taking place from 23 - 25 August. Celebrations begin the weekend before, with a fete in Royal Avenue Gardens and the commencement of the rowing and sailing heats.
Dartmouth Regatta 2025 - What’s On
Dartmouth Regatta draws crowds from across the country for its thrilling sailing and rowing competitions, parades, family fun weekend and shoreside entertainment.
Rowing Events
Dartmouth’s rowing events are the beating heart of the Regatta. You can watch a variety of vessels race over the course of the event, including Whaler and blue boats, Seine boats, pilot gigs and sculls. The full race schedule will be printed closer to the event.
FISA Coastal Rowing
Starting and finishing in the Bight, expect a selection of thrilling races with categories including coxed quadruple sculls, double and single sculls. Race dates TBC.
Seine Boat Rowing
Marvel at the power of the River Seine Boat crews as they race along the River Dart. Race dates TBC.
West of England Amateur Rowing Association Championships - 28 August
A highlight of the week, the Dartmouth Royal Regatta hosts the final Regatta of the West of England ARA’s ten Regatta Championship series. Watch as the crews battle it out over a 1000m course between the higher and lower ferries.
Pilot Gig Racing
Watch six-strong crews compete in 32-ft long, clinker-built elm boats that were originally built to take pilots to incoming vessels on the Atlantic coast. Race dates TBC.
Waterborne Tug of War
A maritime twist on the popular tug of war battle, enjoy watching crews as they try to pull their opponents across the line. Date TBC.
Sailing Events
The Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week takes place from 23 - 30 August. Featuring a range of exhilarating races and a diverse range of vessels from yachts to junior dinghies, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Rockfish Junior Dinghy Series, RDYC - 23 - 25 August
The Junior Dinghy Series sees 3 races per day over a course of 3 days. A brilliant introduction to racing for under-16s, training is available for those who are new to racing.
Moore Kingston Smith Dinghy Series, Dittisham SC - 17 - 20 August
This exciting sailing event welcomes family crews and more experienced young sailors who are ready to move on to adult-level competitions. Two races are planned per day at the picturesque Dittisham Sailing Club.
Savils Passage Race - 26 August
The famous Brixham to Dartmouth race heralds the start of the formal yacht races. Attracting boats from the previous week’s Torbay Royal Regatta and a host of vessels from Dartmouth, head to Berry Head or Froward Point for the best views of this exhilarating competition.
Yacht and Dayboat Series - 27 - 30 August
Visit scenic Start Bay for the exciting two or three course races taking place over 4 days. There is a range of handicap classes for IRC, Classics, Cruisers and Dayboats and class racing for Squibs and J/111s. Less serious sailors can enjoy competing in the just-for-fun Cruiser Class.
White Sail Event - 29 - 30 August
The White Sail event is a fun and informal competition for all sailing yachts (white sails are optional!). The boats must plan and sail a fixed 1-hour course from Start Bay, beginning between 10 and 11 am. Courses will be announced nearer the time, allowing for weather conditions.
Gaffers Event - 29 - 30 August
Designed for sailors of gaff-rigged boats, the gaffer event sees vessels sailing the same one-hour course as the yachts. The gaffers must cross the Start Bay start line between 10.30 and 10.45 am.
On the Water
The Dartmouth Regatta isn’t just about sailing and rowing competitions, there’s a host of exciting water-based events to enjoy, including a sensational river parade and a thrilling sea-based treasure hunt.
DHNA Treasure Hunt - 27 August
Gather your crewmates and set sail to uncover the clues from the Harbour Office to the castles and on towards Dittisham. Clue sheets can be collected from the Harbour Office on the day.
Steam Boat Rally - 30 August
Forming part of the River Parade, view new and restored steam-powered boats at Dartmouth Yacht Club.
Kontiki Raft Race - 30 August
One of the Regatta’s most exciting events, the Kontiki Raft Race is for anyone who can build a vessel and sail it!
Royal Regatta River Parade - 30 August
Enjoy the spectacle as a flotilla of old, new and classic vessels sails along the River Dart.
Shoreside
Set in the bustling town of Dartmouth, there’s plenty to see and do during the Regatta. Discover a wealth of independent shops and the Regatta craft market, explore the beautiful beaches and enjoy the surroundings of the scenic Dart Harbour.
Family Fun Weekend - 23 - 25 August
The Dartmouth Regatta 2025 Family Fun weekend takes place the weekend before the Regatta. Expect a range of competitions including scavenger hunts, crabbing and spot the oddity, traditional family entertainment, a range of stalls and attractions, live music and morris dancers.
Opening Ceremony - 27 August
Head to Royal Avenue Gardens, where the Victorian bandstand and stage play host to the Royal Regatta’s traditional opening ceremony.
Fireworks - 30 August
Eyes to the skies as the 180th Dartmouth Regatta culminates with an unforgettable fireworks display over the River Dart from 9 pm. Make sure to arrive early to grab your viewing spot.
Eat and Drink
Watching the ships sail by is sure to build up a hearty appetite. Dartmouth is packed with excellent places to eat, drink and relax, and the shopping parade and Regatta craft market include an impressive range of fresh food stalls catering to every taste.
Kendricks Restaurant, the sister venue to Kendricks at our Leonards Cove site, is located right at the heart of the regatta action, beside the picturesque Boat Float, also known as the inner harbour. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and savour our delicious, fresh dishes.
Located just 11 miles from Dartmouth, perched high on the cliffs, Leonard’s Cove Holiday Park is perfectly placed for enjoying the Dartmouth Regatta; you might even spot some of the sailing events during your stay!
We have a range of comfortable seaside accommodation to suit all budgets, from camping fields and mobile homes to luxury clifftop hot tub lodges and self-catering cottages, all with spectacular sea views.
Our acclaimed on-site Kendricks restaurant rustles up delicious dishes including grilled meat, burgers, fresh seafood and vegetarian plates, perfect after a day spent in the fresh sea air.