East Meon Regatta – Saturday 16th May
With the Great East Meon Boat Race being so successful last year with 94 boats, 116 ducks and so many races being launched, we have decided to make the event even more prestigious this year and renamed it the East Meon Regatta.
The entry classes will be the same with Class 1 based on 2 pint plastic milk bottles, Class 2 on aluminium food trays and as before, Class 3 governed only by your imagination!
Added to this there will be stalls selling delicious food and drink with lots of side shows to please and excite the children.
For those that have not been before, boats from 3 classes are launched in groups of around 10 boats down the River Meon from near the Izaak Walton pub to the bridge just before Ye Olde George. Stewards in and around the river make sure nothing gets stuck and all boats and ducks are moved along and captured at the finish.
It’s a great day out but it requires your input. Adults and children alike, we need you to build your boats and come and take part in the fun on the day.
There are prizes for the best looking boat in each class, winners of the various races and the final ‘Duck Dump’.
If you have children or are still a child at heart, tell your friends, put it in your diary and start planning your boat now!
Full entry details can be found on the Meon Matters website or via David Lewin at dlconsult@fastmail.fm
EAST MEON REGATTA 2026: Rules of Entry
When: Saturday 16th May Registration opens: 11.30am. Races start: 1.00pm
Duck Dump: 2.15pm. Prize Giving: 2.45pm.
11.00 am – 1pm: Stalls and Refreshments along the Riverside!
Class 1. Based upon standard 2-pint PET milk container. All other parts up to you but must be adequately attached and no glitter. Boats should be marked or decorated so they can be identified. Maximum size: 26cm x 10cm.
Class 2. All craft shall have a hull made using a recycled aluminium foil ‘baking tray’ and must fit within a ‘frame’ 26cm x 15cm. All other parts up to you but small parts should be adequately attached. No glitter allowed. Boats should be marked or decorated so they can be identified. Imagination and ingenuity encouraged!
Class 3. Unlimited. No size constraint other than it should be able to float down the river. Imagination and ingenuity essential! Recycled/upcycled materials with all small parts firmly attached and no glitter. You can push the boat out here. Big is beautiful!
Entry fee: £2.50 per boat
Prizes will be awarded for best boat in class, first boat in each race and ‘most deserving in the eyes of the Organisers’! Imagination and ingenuity encouraged!
Note: All boats will be inspected and may be refused entry if they do not comply with the class rules. Good luck and get building!