Brixham celebrates its heritage

The annual Brixham Heritage Regatta will take place between 22^nd and 24^th May 2026.

This Regatta is the true start of the Classic sailing season along the South West Coast, writes Penny Jolley – who is stepping down from her role as organiser after more than ten years at the helm. Sailing boats with many shapes and sizes come together in Torbay every year for the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

This year will be Vigilance’s 100^th birthday; much of the Regatta publicity and activity will be focussing on this. Our special visitors this year will be a small flotilla from France led by our friends on Le Grande Lejon; we anticipate that boats coming up to Brixham from the west may join them too. They will be joining the Regatta fleet of trawlers, luggers, yawls, pilot cutter, working boats and classic dinghies.

ENTRY FEES ARE HELD – SAME PRICE AS LAST YEAR! Very few restrictions on participating boats apply: simply be of heritage design, or a classic yacht, a dinghy or working boat over 30 years old. Have a look at our website brixhamheritageregatta.uk for more details and entry forms and don’t hesitate to get in touch for further details. Numbers are restricted to just 40 vessels and advice is to enter early to avoid disappointment.

Discounted berthing is available along the Town Heritage Pontoon and the MDL Event Pontoon for the nights of 22/24^th May.

A reception will be held on Friday evening on the pontoon hosted by Brixham Pirates courtesy of MDL marina. The afternoon of Saturday 23^rd May sees activity afloat with day sailing by some and activities ashore. Our resident artists will be on hand to capture the atmosphere, together with songs of the sea. Brixham Heritage Regatta Committee together with Brixham Yacht Club, invite the crews to the traditional fish pie supper in the evening. Brixham offers a bank holiday weekend of shore based fun and activities for non-sailors.

The Parade of Sail at noon on Sunday morning precedes the Corinthian Sail in Company which offers opportunities to sail amongst these truly beautiful boats. We are honoured that the renowned boat builder Will Stirling is officiating at Prize Giving later that evening.