Taylor Wimpey is sponsoring the annual Wivenhoe Regatta for the second time, in association with its Cooks Shipyard development of property for sale in Wivenhoe, near Colchester.
Leading local housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is helping to keep an important Essex tradition afloat - by sponsoring the Wivenhoe Regatta for the second year running in conjunction with its Cook's Shipyard development of new homes in Wivenhoe.
The regatta, which is being held on Saturday 23rd July, will see crowds of spectators line the mouth of the River Colne in the pretty Essex town to enjoy a series of traditional sailing races close to Taylor Wimpey's popular collection of apartments and houses for sale in Wivenhoe - plus a handful of fun races too!
In keeping with its ethos of supporting local community events, Taylor Wimpey - which is preparing to launch the brand new Waterside at Cook's Shipyard development of property to buy in Wivenhoe - is the main sponsor of the regatta, donating £2,000 towards the running costs.
Shore-based activities for all the family will start at about 1pm, with over 30 stalls lining the quayfront to sell a variety of goodies, including local crafts and refreshments; and Punch and Judy performances, a fire engine in the Market Square and face-painting in the ferry shelter to keep the children entertained.
By about 4pm, the tide will be high enough for the crowd-pleasing regatta events, including rowing races, blind-fold racing and the ever-popular raft race - complete with obligatory egg-and flour throwing! This year, raft racers from local pubs and clubs will be joined by a vessel crewed by mortar-board-wearing teachers from a local infants school.
The grand finale of the afternoon will see an array of impressive and historic watercraft - including elegant century-old 'smacks', 15ft 'Wivenhoe One Design' dinghies and traditional 'Old Gaffer' wooden yachts - arriving at the quay, after racing from Brightlingsea.
Chairman of the regatta's organising committee, John Moores, says: "These historic smacks and barges come up the river in full sail and it really is a wonderful sight.
"They're about 100 years old and were used for trade between East Anglia and the Netherlands, and it's great we can keep them alive and racing.
"It's very important these traditional east coast regattas continue as they're part of the heritage of this area. We couldn't do it without help from companies like Taylor Wimpey and we are very grateful for their support."
One of the good causes which benefited from the proceeds of last year's event was the little ferry linking Wivenhoe with the far side of the river, and the event also supports the town's Nottage Maritime Institute, which runs traditional boat-building courses and a museum.
Michael O'Leary, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey, says: "Our development at Cook's Shipyard is breathing new life into Wivenhoe's historic waterfront, and it is fitting that we are also able to play an important part in helping preserve the town's maritime traditions.
"The regatta has been the highlight of Wivenhoe's calendar for a century, but without significant sponsorship it would struggle to continue, so we are delighted to be helping to keep this wonderful aspect of the community's heritage alive."
Cook's Shipyard is built on the site of the former Wivenhoe dockyard, and Taylor Wimpey's collection of luxurious waterside apartments has been capturing the hearts of homebuyers keen to be a part of the thriving coastal community.
The latest phase of the development, Waterside, is an exceptional collection of three, four and five-bedroom homes which is set to be released for sale soon.
Further information is available by visiting the Cook's Shipyard Sales and Marketing Suite, located off Anglesea Road, Wivenhoe, and open Thursday to Monday from 10am until 5.30pm.
See Also: Taylor Wimpey (1852), Taylor Wimpey Essex (1), Cooks Shipyard (3), Wivenhoe (8), Essex (75)
Date Published: 19 July 2011
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