Regatta yachts worth millions

8:51am Monday 3rd September 2007

More than 200 yachts, worth an estimated £30 million, have been in Dartmouth over the last three days for the port's annual regatta.

The regatta is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country, dating back to 1834, and featured sailing events and aerial displays The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, provided the perfect level of pageantry when they led the procession from the Dartmouth Guildhall to the Band Stand in the Royal Avenue Gardens for the official opening ceremony.

Spectacular firework displays were held on Thursday and last night, when there was a fire and dance theme.

The guardship at this year's regatta was HMS Somerset, which has just completed a 12-month multi-million pound refit in Rosyth. Immediately prior to the regatta HMS Somerset underwent a series comprehensive sea trials to prove her capability.