Non-Thames boat happenings for the double Bank Holiday
While the media will be dominated by images of the London river pageant being held this weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, other big-scale boating events right around the country have been long planned if you seek a little less pomp-and-circumstance.
In Weymouth, the 2012 Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta starts on Monday 4 June out of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. With the venue hosting the sailing events of the London 2012 Olympics later this summer, Sail for Gold’s anticipated thousand or more entrants will provide a great ‘dress rehearsal’ besides being a major draw in themselves. The Sail for Gold Regatta is part of the ISAF Sailing World Cup. www.skandiasailforgoldregatta.co.uk
See video of the 2011 event:
Also in Dorset, the International Paint Poole Regatta kicks off two days earlier on Saturday 2 June. Hosted by the combined yacht clubs of Poole, this event will take in the 2012 IRC Southern Regional Championship. In case you hanker for some of the London extravaganza, the Regatta will be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in its own style. www.pooleregatta.co.uk
Far to the north, the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series takes place under the auspices of the Clyde Cruising Club from Friday 1 June. Loch Fyne is expected to see some fine racing and the event will also give more than a nod to the Jubilee. www.brewindolphinscottishseries.com
And finally, head inland to the Crick Boat Show and Waterways Festival from Saturday 2 June. Canal boat trips, camping and entertainment galore for a real alternative. www.crickboatshow.com
For more of the long weekend’s events see PBO Diary Dates.