Cookham Regatta 'more than just racing' as historic event prepares to launch

Friendly rivalries are set to be reignited as crews spar off at Cookham Regatta, which returns River Thames on Saturday.

Competitive dragon boat racing will take place throughout the day, while spectators watch the action from the river bank beside Cookham Reach Sailing Club.

The historic regatta, which traces its history back to 1882, is organised in partnership between Cookham Bridge and Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club.

Cookham Bridge member Terry Wahl said that, while the dragon boat sparing was a ‘highlight’, the regatta was ‘more than the racing’ – with proceeds from the event going to charity.

An Advertiser archive image of a dragon boat figurehead

He said: “It's very much a family day. The dragon boats, of course, are the highlight, but I think most people just come along to have a very nice day.”

“The dog show is quite an attraction and there are quite a few nice stores, such as book stores and jewellery stores. There’s an auction, too.

“It's much more than the racing itself,” Mr Wahl, 86, added.

Dragon boats originate from ancient China and are narrow canoe-like watercraft powered by a crew of 10, accompanied by a drummer to keep the rhythm of the paddling.

At Cookham Regatta this year, more than a dozen boats are set to compete for the coveted Dragon Plate award, including last year’s winners, Maidenhead Rowing Club.

Though they face competition from the Holy Diggers, a collaboration with Holy Trinity Church and Cookham Abbey archaeologists, as well as Cookham Reach Sailing Club – among others.

First races begin at 10am and the final race of the day is set to take place at 4.30pm.

“The racing has gone on in many guises over the years,” Mr Wahl said. “We started with dongolas before my time in Rotary, which have got a very interesting history themselves.”

Dongolas are small shallow-bottomed paddle boats and the sport of racing them dates back to a regatta in 1886, in the River Thames at Maidenhead.

Mr Whal continued: “And then we went on to catamarans and dragon boat racing, of course is becoming increasingly popular.”

While the regatta’s centrepiece event takes place on the water, there is fun to be had on land too.

Thousands of spectators have turned out for the event in previous years

A competitive dog show, classic car display and rows of food and drink stalls will be on offer – in addition to a silent auction, children’s rides and live music from the Bisham Concert Band.

The regatta is also an opportunity to support charity, with proceeds from this year’s event being donated to Alzheimer’s Dementia Support (ADS).

Last year, the event raised more than £13,000 for charity.

“We certainly enjoy doing it [running the regatta],” Mr Wahl said. “But it's also about, you know, we generate money for local charities – the racing is just one aspect of it.”

Regatta entry on the day is £6 for adults and £2 for children, while family tickets cost £12.

More information is available on the regatta website.