'Water way' to spend a Sunday

The popular event, now in its 126th year, saw many of the boats moored in the harbour dressed with colourful flags.

The neap tide meant the high water lasted right up to the final event of the day, the four-oared race, which was won by Randy Rees, Rhian Perry, Rhian Evans and coxed by Alys Perry.

Dick Morgan’s witty commentary kept the spectators amused, and they were treated to the silliness of the ping pong ball recovery and the novelty blindfolded bubble rowing.

This was contrasted by the more skilful events such as one oared sculling, won by local Nick Davies.

Competitors ranged from 17-year-olds, who were competing in their first adult regatta, to grandparents. It soon was apparent to the spectators along the quayside that it is often skill rather than brawn that wins the day.

Popular local competitors included entries from the harbour master Anthony Evans, Ship landlord Josh Phillips and Father Adrian. The most points gained by competitors in both swimming and rowing events was Josh Bland.

The St Davids RNLI lifeboat had been expected to make an appearance during the afternoon, but it was called out to an incident in Fishguard. The regatta committee would like to thank the Red Cross, the Cafe on the Quay, the Solva Boat Owner’s Association and the race sponsors for making the event possible.

The next event will be the Children’s Regatta on Tuesday, August 19, which in the past has seen up to 120 youngsters take part in kayak, canoe and swimming races, row relays, life-saving and novelty events.

The Solva Raft Race on Friday, August 22 is one of the most popular and well attended events in the Solva summer calendar. It involves 10 teams of four people each building a raft in 45 minutes, launching them over the quay wall, rowing to the other side of the quay to pick up the fourth team member and rowing back. The first team to touch the quay wall on the return is the winner.

For more information visit www.solvaregattas.co.uk