History of the Regatta The Whitby Regatta 2008 August 2nd, 3th, 4th, presents to you, three full days of entertainment, embracing yacht racing, rowing races and various free forms of entertainment as published in the official programme, finishing with a prize presentation and spectacular firework display. One hundred and sixty eight years of aquatic competition and entertainment.  The Whitby Regatta is probably the oldest sea Regatta in England and has drawn large crowds into Whitby over the years.

It started in a very small way with the fishermen competing against each other in their fishing smacks and salmon cobbles. Then came the yachts. It was recorded in 1847 "The Whitby Challenge Cup", promoted by the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, was won by the Schooner "Whiled", and a prize of 50 guineas was presented to the captain or owner. Between that date and up to the nineteen thirties, yacht racing formed the greater part of the Regatta.

Unfortunately, due to the high cost of building these large yachts of approximately 20 tons, and a changing world, they slowly disappeared from the scene. The cost of maintaining such a yacht today must be astronomical. It was about 1872 that competitive rowing came into being. In that year, the Jet Works Amateur Rowing Club was formed, 1874 saw the birth of Scarborough Amateur Rowing Club and in 1879 the Friendship Amateur Rowing Club. Then came the Whitby Amateur Rowing Club in 1912, which later became the present day Whitby Fisherman's Amateur Rowing Club. All three Clubs are still going strong today, forming one of the main attractions of today's Regatta.

Over the years, rowing clubs from the Tyne to Scarborough have participated in Regattas held on the North East Coast, sadly only two Regattas are still being held, Scarborough and Whitby. In 1901 the late Alderman JET Wilson J.P - C.C. of West Hartlepool presented the "Wilson Cup". valued at £25, for competition to Rowing Clubs based between the Tyne and Humber. This is the most coveted trophy rowed for today.  1929 saw the first fancy dress and decorated carts, this was the forerunner of the present day regatta and carnival. It is recorded that in 1900, 11,000 people travelled by special trains from the West Riding, York, Bridlington and Newcastle. Today that figure is estimated at 20,000, most travelling by coach and private car.

Whitby Regatta 2008 August 2nd, 3rd & 4th Regatta Events For the full listings and timetable information of all the events taking place for the Regatta please consult the Whitby Regatta Programme, which is available from various local outlets which are listed in the Programmes section of this web site.   The Red Arrows Acrobatic Aerial Display Team   Best viewing from the West Cliff       Spectacular Fireworks Display Monday 4th August Barrage after barrage of rockets, star bursts, special effect shells, whistling mullet coloured rockets and numerous other different  fireworks, are the theme of this years' firework finale     Whitby Regatta 4K Fun Run Sunday 3th August 10am From Crescent Gardens and is run predominantly on the sea wall         Army Displays Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3th, Monday 4th, August Test your nerves on the Army's Aerial Ropey the Death slide. Are you a good shot? The Army's Rifle Range is here.       Jez Avery Number 1 Mountain Bike Stunt Show selection of wheelies & stunts performed with full audience participation. Stunts include a range of ramp jumps with a spectacular finale with a ramp jump over a car lengthways on! Jez will also be appearing in the Grand Parade on Monday     Rowing Races Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3th, Monday 4th August Local rowing teams compete for first place in various categories.      The Grand Parade Monday 4th, August A parade of many decorated thumbed floats will make it's way through the heart of the Regatta celebrations.     VvVVintage, Post war, Classic & Sports Car Rally Sunday 3th August Many elegant cars will compete in various classes for prestigious trophies. Download Application Form in Word Format   Motor Cycle Gymkhana Sunday 3th August Skill and fun on two wheels taking place on Whitby's beach.       Fun for Children of All Ages Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3th, Monday 4th August We have a wide selection of entertainment for children including: An inflatable Maze/Pirate Ship/Giant Fun Slide, a Punch and Judy Show,and Jo Jo the Clown   Raf Displays Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3th, Monday 4th August Visit the R.A.F's static displays that include a aircraft cockpit, Computerized Flight Simulation, Military Vehicles, and Regiment Displays. Navy Displays Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3th, Monday 4th August Visit the Navys Submarine trailer and display. Spitfire Displays   A superb and entertaining display provided by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight     Tiger Moth Display   By popular demand PETER JACKSON will be displaying his beautiful yellow tiger moth from his local airstrip