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The sun is forecast to shine brighter as the day goes on for today’s jam packed Rocquaine Regatta.
The iconic west coast event is back, and promises another free day of fun for all the family, with various activities between Fort Grey and the Imperial.
The cost road is closed for the day with buses diverting inland just before the Fort. Parking is also restricted, but there’ll be ample space for bicycles.
Festivities kick off with the traditional swim from Portelet to Fort Grey, with participants asked to gather at the slipway from 10:10.
The rafts will then gather in the same place, in a change from previous years which started at the Fort, before the boat parade in the bay at 11:00.
It’ll be quickly followed up by the start of the raft race and the myriad boat races in the bay, coinciding with the late morning high tide.
Inshore rowing, swimming, and aquatic sports will follow on the beach, while the pavement on the road is transformed into an art gallery from lunchtime.
Pictured: The eponymous bay.
As the tide starts to recede, and the boating bonanza comes to an end, a crucible of sandy sporting action in the centre of the beach will get underway from 14:00.
First sandcastles will be constructed, crab pots will be pulled, footballs will flicker in the five-a-side, wives will be carried, and husbands dragged.
The kids will roar into gear on beach bicycles, chariots and stilts from 15:00, with a backdrop of ultimate frisbee, shore crab racing, beach volleyball, and a scavenger hunt.
Throwing, including wellies and rolling pins, and the tug-of-war will bring an end to the organised beach chaos between 16:00 and 17:00.
Anyone wanting to participate in the sea or shore games can enquire at the mobile speaker trailer, the beach gazebo, or by approaching any of the crew donning black shirts.
Some sports, such as the football, require pre-registration.
Pictured: The tug of war will be one of the last sights on the beach.
The fun doesn’t stop there!
All day there’ll be food stalls and vendors snaking down the road, with watering holes at either end courtesy of the 'Imp' and the ever-popular field beer tent, to be found opposite the Fort.
In the evening, the BBQ will be fired up at the latter to fill the bellies of those crowding around the Crown and Anchor table with music to come on the stage courtesy of the Vale Earth Fair Collective from 18:00.
As the sunset comes, the music will bang on until 21:30, but the road will reopen at 19:00.
“New for this year will be a very special boat procession through the bay with a prize for the best dressed boats,” Pierre Lenfestey, President of the Regatta Committee said.
“You can pick up a copy of our programme of events from all over the island, or find it on our new Facebook page, just search for Rocquaine Regatta 2024.”
The organisers are keen to promote their new Facebook page detailing all the events and key updates after issues with its historic page.
“Thanks to all of our supporters and we look forward to seeing you on the beach.”
Preparations will soon begin for the next Regatta which takes place on Saturday 26 July 2025.
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