In January 2017 we learnt that the bid to get funding from the "Suez Community Trust" (previously known as the "SITA Trust") to clean out the lake had failed for the second time, very disappointing for all those who spent so much time and effort on the bid and the associated paperwork.

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Over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of June we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the "Tyneside 2 day regatta". This event was the brainchild of three people, Peter, Tom and Stuart, who in 1966 were attending the annual August bank holiday regatta at St Albans and thought, why can't we have such an event in the north east of England. The first 2 day regatta was held the following year in 1967 and has continued every year since. It’s been hugely successful and is now the largest straight running regatta in the UK. Of the 3 who came up with the idea, sadly only Stuart is still with us, and to mark the 50th anniversary he was presented with an engraved spirit glass.

This years anniversary event was a huge success with a total of 95 boats entered over the 2 days. The weather was kind and the organising clubs arranged a buffet for competitors.

A selection of the boats on the Saturday at Paddy Freemans lake

The buffet on the Saturday, the savoury section

And the sweet selection

A special 50th anniversary cake

Everybody enjoying the buffet in the sunshine

Stuart cuts the cake....

Stuart was completely suprised to recieve an engraved glass in recognition of him being the only surviving organiser of the first 2 day regatta

1st place in the Wedge class

1st place in the functional class and winner of the "Tyne Tees Trophy"

A selection of the boats on day two at South Shields in the Marine park.

A fantastic weekends sailling enjoyed by all and a fitting tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the regatta.