The fun at Durgan Regatta will kick off at noon on Sunday, August 27, with local charities and the RNLI set to benefit from any funds that are raised.

A packed afternoon on the water starts with an open handicap dinghy class, followed by the swimming races, which have been scheduled early to make the most of the receding tide.

There will then be kayaking and rowing events for all ages, including the second year of the new paddleboard event. The novelty race promises plenty of mayhem afloat, while the highlight of the afternoon’s programme is the land and sea, running and rowing challenge.

The competitive fun continues ashore with children’s beach games and a sandcastle competition. Visitors can enjoy burgers, home-made cakes and a sale of home produce, before trying their luck on the tombola and watching a display by the RNLI inshore lifeboat. Some fantastic prizes await lucky raffle winners – including river boat trips, restaurant meals, tickets for The Scillonian III and coaching from Will Richards at Access Tennis.

Last year the Durgan Regatta committee was able to donate more than £3,500 to the RNLI and local charities ranging from Cornwall Air Ambulance to HM Coastguard, the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust (HRCST) and the Invictus Trust, a charity providing support for teenagers with mental health issues.

“Our annual family fun event is the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon by the water – with a bit of healthy competition thrown in,” said committee member Andrea Oakes. “We’re aiming to raise a record amount for local charitable causes.”