More than 100 crews and scullers will descend on Ryde this weekend as the town hosts the latest Hants & Dorset Championship Regatta.
Ryde Rowing Club will host the 5th Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championship Regatta of the 2026 season this coming Sunday (31st May), following Shanklin Rowing Club’s Sandown Championship Regatta on Saturday.
This year’s event marks the 49th anniversary of a Hants & Dorset Championship Regatta being staged off Appley Beach in Ryde, with the first held in June 1977 as part of Ryde Rowing Club’s centenary celebrations.
The Ryde regatta followed the successful introduction of a joint championship event organised by Ryde and Shanklin rowing clubs at Yaverland in 1972. Although the move to Ryde in 1977 was initially expected to be a one-off, the success of the event led to the establishment of the now traditional Isle of Wight Rowing Weekend, with separate regattas held annually at both Ryde and Shanklin since 1978.
This year’s Ryde regatta has attracted an entry of 109 crews and scullers, with numbers expected to rise further through late entries.
A packed programme of 19 races will take place over an 1,820m course running from Appley Beach towards Ryde Pier and back following a buoy turn. Racing will begin at 10:00 due to tidal conditions, with races scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes until approximately 15:00.
Competition categories include Open Senior, Junior/Senior, Junior and Novice coxed fours, alongside coxless pairs and single sculls. Women’s events will also feature senior, junior and novice competition, with Masters races for over-40s and over-50s also taking place.
TLM Laser are the main sponsors of the regatta, with additional support provided by local businesses and club members. Further backing comes from Wightlink and WightFibre.
The club has also thanked Ryde Inshore Rescue for providing safety cover, alongside Wight First Aid and PWR Sound for supporting the event.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the free event, with the best viewing point said to be from the sea wall by Canoe Lake.
