Winner of the annual Dartmouth regatta event photography prize!

dartmouth, devon

What a week it was! I’m thrilled to share that I recently won the photography prize at the annual Dartmouth Regatta, one of the most prestigious events in the area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively competitions. This is a huge honour, especially considering the sheer number of entries that flood in every year for this world-renowned event. The regatta, held in the historic town of Dartmouth—the proud home of the Royal Navy—offers a stunning backdrop, overlooked by the Royal Naval College.

I’d been down in Dartmouth for a family holiday with my partner, Suzy, and our little boy, Charlie. We couldn’t have picked a better time to visit, with fantastic weather all week and the town buzzing with excitement. Of course, I took my camera along, snapping away at some of the most iconic moments of the regatta. There was just so much happening—between boat races on the water, quirky contests on land, and everything in between, I had plenty of opportunities to capture the essence of the event.

Dartmouth Regatta Photography Highlights

I’m delighted to share some of my favourite shots from the regatta:

The Trolley Race: A true spectacle of creativity and chaos as teams zoomed down the streets, making everyone laugh.
Waiter Race: Precision, balance, and speed all rolled into one. Watching trays wobble precariously while waiters dashed to the finish line was pure fun.
Tug of War: No regatta would be complete without a good old-fashioned show of strength. Both on water and land, this event brought out the best (and funniest) efforts from teams.
Dog Competition: From the scruffy to the sleek, the dog show was a hit with families and dog lovers alike.
Rowing Races: You can’t talk about Dartmouth Regatta without mentioning the competitive rowing. Local crews, some representing pubs and clubs, rowed their hearts out in true Dartmouth spirit.

You can view my full gallery of photos here. If you’re interested in seeing more of my award-winning shots, it’s all just a click away.

Exploring Dartmouth Beyond the Regatta

When we weren’t at the regatta, we made the most of our time in this beautiful part of Devon. We took a scenic walk up to Dartmouth Castle, where Charlie had a blast pretending to be a pirate on a mission. We also treated ourselves to some of the best local food, eating at Dartmouth’s cosy pubs and charming restaurants. One of the highlights for Charlie was hopping on the tug-powered ferry to Kingswear. He was absolutely mesmerised by the steam trains chugging into the station—definitely a sight to see!

Why Dartmouth Regatta is Worth a Visit

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta is an annual highlight, steeped in history with its origins dating back to 1822. This year marked its 179th celebration, and it’s not just about boats; it’s about community, competition, and family-friendly fun. From pavement art and street markets to bungee rowing and fireworks lighting up the skies, there’s something for everyone. It’s no wonder thousands flock to this small coastal town every August to experience the magic.

Winning this photography prize has been the cherry on top of an incredible week. Being recognised as an award-winning event photographer at such a prestigious gathering is truly special. If you’re ever in Dartmouth during regatta week, make sure to join in the fun, and who knows, you might even spot me behind the lens, capturing those special moments that make the event so unforgettable.

"Great action shot of the trolley race, a classic shore based activity capturing the moment."