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NEW VIDEO: 170th Whitby Regatta a huge success
WHITBY Regatta drew in the crowds as the town was packed for the 170th year, but there were minimal reports of any trouble.
A high number of police officers present in the town meant there was only one arrest and a number of dispersal notices for anti-social behaviour issued over the weekend.
One woman was arrested on Monday night in Pier Road following an allegation of assault, as officers from North Yorkshire Police, Cleveland Police and British Transport Police all patrolled the town.
Whitby Police Sergeant Richard Hammond said: "I would like to thank all the people who attended Whitby Regatta, particularly the residents of Whitby for the way they conducted themselves over the weekend and we would like to thank the event organisers who were very thorough in their organisation and planning who worked together with the police.
"It was just a good atmosphere all round."
Sgt Hammond said that although there had been more people staying than last year, there had been no problems at the official travellers site off the A171 Whitby to Scarborough Road.
Topping the Regatta bill was the rowing, as crowds gathered at every viewpoint to watch teams of all ages race into the harbour.
Whitby Regatta President Jane Kenyon said: "The sport of rowing is the basis of Whitby Regatta and all three rowing clubs enjoyed an excellent regatta and entertained the crowds showing what real sportsmanship is about."
The sunshine on Saturday and Sunday turned to torrential rain for Monday morning's Grand Parade, but families still came out in their droves donning an array of colourful costumes.
Miss Kenyon said: "Despite the weather the spirit of Whitby was not in any way dampened.
"We were disappointed with the cancellation of the Red Arrows on Monday but hope to see them next year."
Whitby was filled with an estimated 250,000 visitors, as the event coincided for the second year running with Whitby Folk Week and created a carnival atmosphere.
"Whitby was packed, and there was quite a cosmopolitan feel to it, with many other languages being spoken" Miss Kenyon added.
The President had nothing but gratitude for all those who worked so hard to make the weekend a success.
She said: "As President of a small band of volunteers, I would like to the thank everyone who worked like beavers to keep the ancient traditions of Whitby Regatta alive.
"We are looking forward to our 171st and onwards as the Whitby Regatta continues to be seen as the oldest traditional regatta in the country."
Miss Kenyon paid tribute to the support received from the ambulance, police, armed forces, Scarborough Borough Council and Whitby Town Council throughout the weekend.
"Without all these agencies we could not have the event we have had over the last four days" she added.
Participation in events was huge, as people got involved in all sorts of different competitive activities, such as the Tug of War, raft races and the Fun Run.
Vice-President Ivor Greer said: "We are always pleased to see people getting involved as it is a community event.
"It is great to get the kids interested in different sporting events."
Youngsters showed great enthusiasm for the tug of war, which has prompted organisers to consider a full junior tug of war event next year.
One highlight for Mr Greer was the static display from the Sea King helicopter, allowing visitors to speak to the crews and for children to have their photos taken with it.
He said: "It is good that we are managing to still attract the forces, reinforcing Whitby's traditional links with them."
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 37 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
