Two days by the riverbank
by Seren Moore
At 6am, as glorious sunshine rose above the river on Friday 9th August, a crowd gathered for the first competition of the day. Armed with gazebos, picnic tables and chairs, the race to secure prime viewing spots on the river bank was on.
By 9am, the first of 340 races was underway. Competitors battled the wind and nerves to get to the start, and skiffs, dongolas, canadian canoes, punts and dinghies showed off all forms of traditional boating.
The control tent directed race starters, finish line judges, umpire launches, time keepers and competitors and the legendary bacon butties set people up for the day. Whilst the adults made a bee-line for the beer tent and Fizz Bar, the youngsters spent the day bouncing, colouring, face painting and running around like lunatics, punctuated with mouthfuls of pizza, jerk chicken and quiche!
An eclectic array of dongola and punting fancy dress was on display, and despite valiant attempts from those in the punting in canoe races, many capsizing techniques were showcased as usual.
As the sun set on Friday, gazebos were lowered for the night.
Old friends reunited, new friendships were forged, and family generations mingled.
At 5.30am on Saturday morning, a happy buzz spread along the Shiplake river bank where 70 swimmers gathered for the 2K, 1K and 400m distances. Participants were rewarded with hot dogs and coffee as well as a spot at the front of the queue for the Goodall-Smith Wealth Management Scratch Dongola.
Gradually, families returned to their gazebos, umpires stepped aboard their launches and competitors limbered up. Another day of classy skiffing (and feeling a little sick waiting under the bridge for the race to start), punting, elite racing, dubious dongola- steering and comedy ensued. Old friends reunited, new friendships were forged and family generations mingled.
As the sun reached its peak above the gleaming water, the crowds lounged along the river edge to watch the finals. Smiles and tears gave way to cheers as prize giving marked the end of the racing. Gazebos, chairs and tables were packed away and dinner arrangements made. Under a clear sky, paddle boarders, boaters and pedestrians were treated to a stunning fireworks display signaling the end Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta 2024.
Special thanks as ever to everyone whose dedication to this special event keeps the magic alive, and to the safety teams, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, competitors and subscribers. This event could not happen without you.
Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta returns on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th August, 2025.
