The crowds turned out in force to celebrate the nine days of Shaldon Regatta last month with many events attracting record-breaking entries, despite weather conditions early in the week forcing minor changes to the programme.

More than 50 competitors took part in the long-distance row, which took place in the river rather than from Dawlish, due to the easterly wind and unfavourable sea conditions.

The sailing event on the Tuesday was also made trickier due to a lack of wind and a strong tide. However, Shaldon’s die-hard sailors were not put off with some competitors being as young as six and seven years of age.

As the week went on, the weather returned to glorious sunshine for events on and off the water including beach sports, kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing, tug-of-war, the duck race and the highly competitive pillow fight.

Shaldon Regatta’s organising committee said they were pleased to see many of the young rowers who have taken part in its weekly junior rowing evenings entering the races.

The Regatta aims to teach children from age six to 16 how to be safe on the water and more than 5000 children have taken part in its junior rowing sessions on Monday evenings during the school holidays since they began in 2013.

The Shaldon Regatta organising committee said it is grateful to all the volunteers who helped out and thanked everyone who took part for making it ‘a week to remember’.

‘Shaldon Regatta is a week of fun for families and friends, making new memories and reminiscing about past regattas. We love seeing so many having fun that is why we do it,’ a Regatta spokesperson said.

Next year’s Shaldon Regatta will take place from Sunday August 23 to Monday August 31 2026.