It's getting to that time of year again when the final preparations for the racing season are being made by all Hants and Dorset clubs as the first event of the season fast approaches.
For Shanklin, the early season buzz is always mixed in with the frantic preparations for our own regatta, which regularly falls on one of the first weekends of the season.
This year, the regatta will take places on Sunday May 14th and will be held as usual in front of the clubhouse on Shanklin seafront.
The regatta is held under Hants and Dorset ARA regulations and is always one of the most interesting on the calendar, with the combination of a short 1200 metre course and often difficult conditions making the racing an exciting spectacle! Why not come down on the day and cheer on the rowers?
Here's the break down of the day:
Captains Meeting - 10.30am
First race of the day - 11.00am
Final race of the day - 4.05pm (approx)
Prize Giving - 4.30pm (approx)
As well as racing on the Sunday, the club will have its bar open from 7.30pm on both the Friday and Saturday evenings for rowers and supporters to enjoy a cheap drink (whether that is to calm the nerves or reflect on your days racing is entirely up to you!).
The club would like to thank sponsors Arthur Wheeler Estate Agents for their continued support, as well as both the Isle of Wight County Council and the Shanklin Town Council for their efforts in allowing this annual event to take place.
We look forward to welcoming all Hants and Dorset ARA clubs as well as local supporters for what we hope will be another fantastic day of racing in the bay!
Photo credit: Jane Maxwell, Snapshots by Jane Maxwell