The Mayflower River Parade took place on Saturday 28th August 2021, as part of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. The aim of this event was to bring together as many boats as practicable to create a magnificent spectacle commemorating the historic Mayflower 400 anniversary. The Parade included some of the beautiful yachts who have previously enjoyed their visits to the river for Classic Regattas or have taken part in previous Regatta parades.
30th August 2021
PRESS RELEASE ~ Dartmouth Mayflower 400: Mayflower River Parade sponsored by Premier, Noss on Dart
What an amazing Mayflower River Parade in glorious weather! Not something any of us have said often this year .. or last!
As part of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta’s programme of events we had 71 registered participants plus a few random ‘guests’ making up our numbers on the afternoon of Saturday August 28th 2021. We are very grateful and our special thanks go to the committee for allowing us to share the Saturday afternoon of their 176th Regatta
The event, a simplified version of what was originally planned to be part of the Mayflower 400 commemoration last year, was carried forward by the new Dartmouth Mayflower 400 Directors Laura Campbell and Lindsay Ellwood.
The Event
The Parade was led by one of the 24 Classic Craft entrants, the Pilgrim of Brixham. Dartmouth Mayflower 400 has funded several days out for young people on this fine vessel over the next three years.
The remaining Classic Craft followed, bringing a touch of elegance to our Parade. These included Inisaig, 55ft wooden TSMY and White Mouse, Philip 50 TSMY both built at Noss, the home of our sponsors Premier Marinas.
A grand salute was accompanied by the accordion on board the Elizabeth R, a 1930s launch. Matawa, Kipper, Ruby and Patsy were amongst many others with impressive salutes and costumes. Amelia led the way for best salute with a full Naval salute in costume with Patsy claiming the Classics’ Grockle Cup.
We saw the Steam Boats Pioneer and Clio, along with Halcyon who had some great sound effects. They were joined by many of our local river users in their motor launches, yachts, Cornish crabbers, and Shrimpers, with more great costumes from Cacique, Quintet, Ellanore and the Torbay Sea Scouts on the Terry Too gave a sharp YMCA performance on board!
And special commendation to the crew aboard the Naughty Girl dressed in all matter of inflatable costumes, including unicorn, pterodactyl, penguin, walrus, duck, crocodile and a yellow submarine. It was Dart Sailability who just beat them to the Best Dressed trophy with a Thanksgiving range of Pilgrim and Native American costumes and included an inflatable turkey!
The Mayflower River Parade was greatly supported by vessels and crew from the RNLI and our Harbourmaster and his team at DHNA
A good day was had by all celebrating being back on the River!
TROPHIES were awarded by our VIP guests who formed the voting Panel
Hosted by Laura Campbell, Dartmouth Mayflower400
Taking the Salute at the VIP tent was
- Andy and Gill Osman from Premier Marinas,
- Cllr Jonathon Hawkins and Dot from the Dartmouth Regatta committee
- Cllr Graham Evans and his wife Pego,
- Lindsay Ellwood from Dartmouth Mayflower 400,
- And Anthony Mangnall MP for Totnes and South Devon
PRIZE WINNERS
BEST DRESSED VESSEL was Farris Flyer from Dart Sailability.. the ‘roasting’ Turkey at the front won for theme and presentation
BEST SALUTE was Keith Myerson on Amelia.. a classic example of a Naval Salute and dressed as Pilgrims!
THE GROCKLE CUP went to Chris Gardner on Patsy.. presented by Tim Dewing, a long standing tradition of previous Classics Parade of Sail. Going to a ‘crowd pleaser’ Classic Craft.
Laura Campbell said “It was very exciting to see the Mayflower River Parade finally being delivered. Although not on the scale that was originally planned this was a great spectacle and we had a great crowd supporting us on the embankment. We are very appreciative of our sponsors Premier Marinas in sticking with us through the change and to the Regatta committee for sharing their Regatta Saturday afternoon with us. A lot of hard work has gone in behind the scenes and many local businesses have supported the event. We have had some wonderful feedback on the event and are delighted all enjoyed the afternoon in the sunshine celebrating being back on the River Dart”
The procession started at Noss on Dart Marina; vessels were formed into “squadrons” or groups of similar size or from the same sailing club from the River Dart community. They proceeded down-river to the lower ferry, passing the saluting base and VIPs en route.
Principal Sponsors
Thanks also go to NOMAD MARINE who supported Dartmouth Mayflower in the delivery of this event on the 28th August 2021
