165-year-old regatta to make a comeback

Sandown residents got together this week to plan the return of the town’s historic Sandown Bay Regatta, over the weekend of August 13-14.

Organised by Sandown Carnival, the idea is to combine tradition with new attractions for a relaunch of the 165-year-old event this summer.

As well as the expected sailing races and beach favourites, like tug-of-war, ideas in the pipeline include sea swimming, paddleboard contests and sea-shanty performances and a comeback for the Sandown Bay Regatta hat.
Everyone was invited to an open meeting about the Regatta on Monday, February 21 at 7pm in The Broadway Centre in Sandown.

Paul Coueslant, chairman of Sandown Carnival Association, said: “Over the next few years, we’d love Sandown Bay Regatta to become an annual celebration of our amazing bay and beaches.

“We’re looking to partner with local businesses, community groups and residents to stage activities on the water, on the shore and around the town.

“We’re keen to find out what people want to bring to the event so we can build it together. The Bay Regatta provides a fantastic opportunity in the peak summer season to showcase Sandown as one of the Island’s favourite places to be.”