It started as a small competition between local fishermen in their cobbles and in the 180 plus years which have followed, it has turned into the largest event of its kind along the North East and Yorkshire coast.
Thousands and thousands of people, from the town and far and wide, are expected to flock to Whitby Regatta across three days of rowing, sea-faring, entertainment and family fun.
The extravaganza runs from tomorrow (Saturday) and will finish on Monday, es ever, with the rowing awards, prizes and presentations and the fireworks display.
With rowing at the heart of the event, the town is red or blue with Whitby Friendship and Whitby Fisherlads leading the action, joined by rowers from Scarborough.
Saturday
Prior to the rowing getting underway, it is an early start for participants in the Whitby Sea Swim which sees around 80 swimmers taking part.
The swim sets off from Sandsend at 7.30am tomorrow and finishes on the beach near the Battery Parade. There is also a shorter distance swim, which sets off from the Ravine below the golf course.
Rowing kicks off at 9.30am with girls and boys under 14s first into the water. Ladies and Men’s over 50s will follow.
A major highlight this year is the return of the Greasy Pole event after a hiatus of around ten years. Organised by Kev and Lindsay Close, the greasy pole, happening at 12.10 on Saturday, is expected to draw crowds vying for the best vantage point to see who will take that flag.
Rowing for juniors under 16s mixed and senior 17 plus mixed re-commences afterwards.
In a nod to the heritage of Whitby Regatta, which saw yachts form the schedule from 1847, there will be the Sail Past and lifeboat launch.
From around 2.15pm, the vessels will assemble in the upper harbour, sail to the lower harbour, and upon passing Whitby Yacht Club’s commodore, who will be moored opposite the Tate Hill and Fish Piers, offer a salute. Whitby Yacht Club’s Robinson Cup is also taking place tomorrow.
Sunday
It’s an energetic start to the day on Sunday with the annual Fun Run, organised by Whitby Running Club. A family-friendly event, runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Choose between a 4k or 2k route along the sea wall to run, jog or soak it up with a stroll.
It starts at 10am on the West Cliff, registration open from 8.30am and entry is £6 for adults and £4 for under 16s, cash on the day. Every finisher will receive a medal and bottle of water.
Also getting underway on the West Cliff is a new event for 2026 on Whitby’s Pump Track. Check out BMX and mountain biking action and competition, stalls from Shreds 11 and pizza from Doh throughout the day.
Unfortunately, due to the tide times, the beach Gymkhana with motorbikes and quads will not go-ahead. Scrufts Dog Show is at 11am in Crescent Gardens if you think you have a prize-winning pooch and the vintage cars and motorbikes are also on show here.
It is set to be a packed day for rowers. Again starting from 9.30am, categories in action are Ladies and Men’s Over 30s, Girls and Boys under 16s, Ladies and Men’s 60 plus and Ladies and Men’s under 23s.
Monday
For the final day of Regatta, the Monday is started off by the Walking Floats and Fancy Dress Parade. With those taking part asked to be in the Market Place by 9.30am, the procession will set off around 9.45am and make its way along Sandgate, over the Swing Bridge and along St Ann’s Staith, Pier Road and up the Khyber Pass before finishing at The Royal for judging and prize giving.
The Fun Fair, which crowds flock to see rolling into town the previous evening is open from 10am on Monday with rides and attractions around Pier Road and the West Pier. Stalls will line the Khyber Pass as usual.
Paddle-boarding is back on this year’s regatta programme too with two categories – open and fancy dress. Registration is 12noon for a 1pm start. The route is from the Marina slipway in the River Esk, around the harbour, to the Viaduct and back. There will be a prize-giving on the slipway at 3pm.
Monday sees Ladies and Men’s over 40 races, Girls and Boys under 18s and Ladies and Men’s seniors.
The annual presentation of rowing cups and prizes will be in The Royal from around 6pm onwards where Friendship, Fisherlads and Scarborough all hope to be taking home the big one – the Wilson Challenge Cup.
Fireworks, at 9.45pm, will round off another incredible Whitby Regatta. Thousand of onlookers line the seawall, Spion Kop, the piers and the West Cliff to watch the spectacular display.
Also taking place throughout the weekend are astronomy sessions, Sea Shanties, bouncy castles, music from Central and East Yorkshire Wing RAF Air Cadets, Captain Kipper’s puppet show and birds of prey with Whitby Falconers.
