A fantastic fireworks finale, as ever, brought down the curtain on a successful Whitby Regatta which has been bathed in sunshine, sea-faring and seaside fun.
Under-pinned by a rowing rivalry between local clubs – Whitby Friendship, Whitby Fisherman’s and Scarborough – crowds have flocked to Whitby in their thousands over the last three days to enjoy what is the highlight of the town’s calendar.
Starting with the Regatta Swim from Sandsend to Whitby early on Saturday morning, it has been non-stop with action ever since.
Picture: Submitted
Saturday also saw the eagerly anticipated return of the greasy pole and it did not disappoint. People lined up to have a go at the event which last took place ten years ago.
The crowds which lined up to watched shocked even the locals who said they had never seen anything like it. Kev Close who organised the greasy pole along with wife Lindsay, said it went better than he could have ever hoped for and confirmed there are plans to repeat it next year
Runners started us off on Sunday with the Fun Run, brought by Whitby Running Club, attracting more than 250 participants and the arrival of the rides, an attraction in itself, had people lining the cliff well into Sunday night.
Colebrooke Productions brought the music and the Harry Potter vibe to Monday’s fancy dress and walking parade which was joined by vintage tractors and floats proceeding through town.
Fears the wind might affect the last few rowing races thankfully didn’t materialise and all boats were off. After both Whitby and Scarborough regattas as well as the Coronation Cup and Pages Races earlier in the season – it was Friendship taking home the trophies this year.
The Reds won The Ken Dale trophy for the club with the most points gained in Whitby Regatta, The J W Coser Memorial Shield for the most points in men’s races, the L Hutchinson Trophy for the most points in the ladies races and The Wilson Cup for the club with the most points overall.
Picture: Ceri Oakes
Rowers, family and friends packed into The Abbey Wharf for the presentation evening hosted by Jon Stokoe for Whitby Regatta.
Whitby Regatta president, Jane Kenyon, asked the audience to raise a glass to absent friends before making special thanks on behalf of the Regatta committee to Lindsay Close for her work in organising it the return of the greasy pole.
Jane added: “I express the thanks of Whitby Regatta for some superb sport and wish you a happy evening and look forward to seeing you all next year.”
The celebrations continued long into the night in both club houses and the dates for Whitby Regatta 2027 are set as August 14, 15, 16.
More unseen pictures below….
