This film is part of Free

Salcombe Raft Race

Rafters on the water in Devon's famous yachting hideaway.

News 1962 2 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for South West Film and Television Archive

Overview

The Salcombe Town Regatta includes showcasing a new boat launch for daytrips and the raft race with entrants from the town building themed rafts and dressing to impress. Events are held over a fortnight and include sailing, a harbour swim, mud races, rowing races, a torchlight procession, and fireworks and the town's population swells with visitors. Salcombe used to be a port of some significance hidden away up the Kingsbridge estuary.

Shipbuilding, fishing and smuggling are a far cry from the exclusive holiday resort of today. Salcombe Sailing Club was founded in 1922 and the Yacht Club established in 1874. The estuary has a ferry to reach the east side where there are a series of sandy beaches, Sunny Cove, Mill Bay, Cable Cove, Small's Cove and Fisherman's Cove and access to East Portlemouth. The beaches disappear at high tide. Salcombe is built into the hills of the estuary and views from riverside houses command stunning views and prices. Between North and South Sands a house called the Moult was built in 1764 by John Hawkins and is reportedly the first holiday home to appear here.