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Lifeboat regatta sets �20,000 target THIS year's new and improved Eastbourne RNLI Regatta is hoped to hit the �20,000 mark it missed last year when hundreds of people come to watch the power boats, fishing boats and yachts compete at the marina. The fourth regatta at Eastbourne Lifeboat Station, Sovereign Harbour, is from next Saturday (August 23) to Monday August 25, from 9.30am -11pm. As well as the races, there will be a lifeboat demonstration, social events and a chance to win a kayakADVERTISEMENT . Entertainment will be provided by the Dolphin Shanty Men, morris dancers and local bands, as well as Eastbourne Cultural Communities Network, which will present traditional Thai dance, Chinese opera, Polish folk groups, an African drumming group and belly dancers. This year, there will be an extra race for non-racing boats and skippers and, for the children, rides, stalls and a chance to have a go on a kayak or a dinghy. So far, Eastbourne RNLI's regattas have raised more than �40,000 to train and equip crews and support its all-weather and inshore lifeboats. Crews of five are invited to join the rowing boat race sponsored by Keir Construction and guest racers will be given a free berth in the harbour courtesy of Premier Marinas. Mark Robinson, the RNLI's second coxswain, said, "Our regatta is no different from others, the party is just as important. "Each evening we crank it up a notch with live entertainment, a licensed bar serving traditional ales and hot food available � including the ever-popular pig roast. "The regatta takes an enormous amount of time and effort from everyone involved in organising it but it's well worth it for the fun everyone has and for every penny we raise to help our lifeboats and crews save lives around Eastbourne. "And it's a damn good excuse for a party." Adult tickets are �6.50, children, �4. VIP tickets, which are subject to availability, are �15. Regatta programmes and tickets are available from Eastbourne Lifeboat Station, Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club and Sovereign Harbour Marina Office. Visit the website at www.eastbournernli.org.uk |
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