2 August 2008:
The Port Navas Regatta was very well attended this year with the weather co-operating until an evening shower just after all the events were finished. Hundreds turned up to watch the fun and take part. ‘The atmosphere was very special’ said Jeff Meadows, the Chairman of the Regatta Committee, ‘people were clearly having a great time and enjoying the variety of amusements available. Our swimming and rowing events attracted record numbers of competitors and all of our fund-raising activities were very well supported. We expect to be able to pass on well over £3000 to local charities.’
As well as the usual favourites, the Duchy Oyster Farm ran an Oyster Bar, which was very popular and raised over £170. ‘The oysters were free but we had a donations box and people were very generous.’ said Jeff. Another innovation – a murder mystery hunt – also created fun and interest for the younger visitors.
Lady Woodard presented cups to all the winners. The Ron Badger Annual Special Award – given to a person who has contributed to the success of the Regatta over a number of years – went to Fiona Beale who was in hospital recovering from a hip operation when she received her cup filled with flowers.
Next year’s Regatta will be on Saturday 1st August 2009 and, thanks to an early tide, the event will start at 12 noon.
The Results
| Veteran’s Rowing (Men) | Howard Rendle Cup | Rodney Meyers |
| Veteran’s Rowing (Women) | Helen Colam Trophy | Ann D’Alton |
| Pair Paddles under 17 (Girls) | Serena Lucas Salver | Annie Brogden |
| Pair Paddles under 17 (Boys) | Walter Warren Salver | George Wilson |
| Blindfold Rowing | Gwythyen and Tamsyn Silk | |
| Pair Paddles under 13 (Girls) | Ceinwen Morgans | |
| Pair Paddle 10 and under | HRCST Tankard | Theo Cresswell |
| Mother & Her Child Rowing | Den Colam Cup | Mary & Theo Cresswell |
| Father & His Child Rowing | Van Marriott Trophy | David & Herbie Harford |
| Pair Paddles Ladies | Eileen Fisher Cup | Sarah Mason |
| Swimming 12 & Under (Girls) | D’Alton Cup | Emma Gottelier |
| Swimming 12 & Under (Boys) | Peter Agnew Cup | Herbie Harford |
| Swimming 16 & under (Girls) | Doris Wooldridge Cup | Emma Gottelier |
| Swimming 16 & under (Boys) | Don Wooldridge Cup | Rob Dorey |
| Swimming (Men) | Budock Vean Cup | Josh Gottelier |
| Swimming (Women) | Vinnicome Cup | Alison Dorey |
| Row & Run 13 & under | Jack Gleedowe & Herbie Harford | |
| All-Comers Rowing | Sidney Hodges Cup | Richard Winfrey |
| Fun Race | Fisher Cup | Hamish & Andrew Biggs |
| Pair Paddles (Men) | Colam Eclipse Cup | Anton Chamberlain |
| Row & Run Adults | St Euny Cup | Herbie & David Harford |
| Visitors’ Rowing | Peter’s Cup | Anthony Thompson |
| Pairs Rowing (Lady & Gent) | Tiny Warren Cup | Jill Pascoe & Richard Winfrey |
| Greatest Number of Points (Women) | Ron Badger Cup | Tamsin Silk |
| Greatest Number of Points (Men) | President’s Cup | Herbie Harford |