It's a 'shore' thing

Thursday, 21 June 2012

PIRATES returned to the shores of Saltash last weekend for ‘Ye Olde Waterside Festival’, one of the most traditional events in the town’s history.    
Saltash Regatta, first recorded in 1835, went ahead despite blustery winds and heavy showers, starting with the procession from Victoria Gardens, which included the town crier, mayoral party, pirates and Wreckers Morris. It continued down through Fore Street to Waterside Green where the mayor of Saltash, Martin Gee, said a few words to open the festivities, after which Kirsten Nosworthy, one of the Olympic Torch bearers, thanked everyone for their support in raising money for Ellie’s Haven.
Winners of the pirate costume competition, Lucy Marfleet, Alfie Anderson and Maddison Nosworthy, stepped forward to receive their medals from the May Queen, Rebecca Wormall, and her attendants before the party dispersed to enjoy the excitement of the day.
On land there was no shortage of events for everyone with street entertainers, food and craft stalls, bands, musicians, puppet shows and a photographic exhibition.
On the water, the Gig Championships went ahead over the two days but the Dinghy racing and Five Towns Challenge Cutter race were called off on Saturday due to the poor weather conditions.
However, Saltash Sailing Club managed to run a single pursuit race mid-afternoon on Sunday as the weather improved. There were also yacht taster sessions provided by the club with more than 40 members of the public venturing out during the afternoon for 20-minute stints on the river.
In the meantime, Saltash Sailing Club rescue boats had to carry out a real life rescue when a rowing boat capsized during the fancy dress England and Back race, tipping its occupants into a fast-flowing tide. Thankfully, the over-turned crew were saved quickly and efficiently, and the race was able to continue, with The Tamar Trotters winning the race outright by returning to our Cornish shores first with the St Pirran Flag.
Regatta chairman Joe Ellison said: ‘We feared the worst beforehand because of the forecast gales, which kept numbers down on Saturday, but fortune favoured us yet again, and this turned out to be one of the best regattas.’
See page 15 for regatta results
and more pictures

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