Port of Dover Community Regatta – Bigger and Better 0 comments / Category : Press Release Facilitated by the Port of Dover with the support of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and the Dover Sea Sports Centre, the free event, taking place on July 26, will return with all of the family fun of last year but with some notable additions such as a big vintage car rally and a cutting edge aerobatic display by the world renowned Blades. Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover stated; “We’re delighted to support the Regatta, making the most of our beautiful harbour and providing a great event for the community to enjoy, whilst supporting a local charity. The event couldn’t take place without the dedication of our enthusiastic partners and the support of the community. After a successful launch last year, we look forward to staging a bigger, more vibrant event this year to provide a fantastic festival of family fun on land and sea at the Port of Dover.” Back by popular demand will be the ‘Dover Port Dash’ tournament, sponsored by the Port of Dover, which will see teams race across the harbour in ‘Thames Cutters’ pitting their wits against the waves and challenging their fitness in a bid to raise money for local charity, the Cinque Port Pirates. The charity’s aim is to ensure sailing is accessible to all, no matter of ability, cultural, social-economic, racial or religious background they come from, by offering every child low-cost membership and weekly sailing lessons, giving them the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and experience a wide variety of sea-based activities in a safe environment. Mr Waggott added; “We are delighted to sponsor the Dover Port Dash for such a worthy beneficiary.” There are places for 14 adult mixed teams and, for the first time, 14 mixed junior (ages 10-16 years) crews. Teams will comprise six rowers plus a cox. Entry will be free to the junior teams. So the call is well and truly out to all aspiring Dashers, to get their teams together, get practicing and get set to join in all the fun! Also on the water will be paddlesports, sailing tasters, pedalos and more, organised by Dover Sea Sports Centre. On land there will be demonstrations by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a range of blue light services as well as community agencies organised by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership as well as a host of stalls offering entertainment and local produce. Karen Amber, Commodore of the Cinque Ports Pirates, said: ” ‘Sailing isn’t just my hobby mum, its my passion!’ Jarrod, age 12. This comment is just one of the reasons we are so delighted and grateful to the Port of Dover Community Regatta for choosing the Cinque Ports Pirates Sailing Club as the beneficiary of this year’s event. Sailing is traditionally an elitist sport but we believe ALL children should have the opportunity to learn to sail and sail regularly. The money raised from this event will help us get more of Dover’s children on the water; sailing for fun, friendship and fitness on one of the countries most fantastic expanses of water – Dover Harbour. “ Nadeem Aziz, Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and Chief Executive of Dover District Council said: “We are looking forward to another successful event on Dover Seafront. Incorporating the Community Safety Day within the Port Regatta is a great way to create a fun day out for the whole family, and to show the community how the partnership continues to work to keep our district a safe place to live, work and visit.” Further event details are to be announced in due course but in the meantime please register your interest in taking part in the Dover Port Dash by emailing Alyson Hudson at PODCommunityRegatta.co.uk ENDS Issued by External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4430 rom 8.30 – 17.00)
