The oldest regatta in the world returns to Chester on Saturday for its 283rd staging.
The Chester Regatta will welcome more than 350 competitors from 13 clubs across a variety of competitions on the River Dee .
Chester Regatta Committee, organisers of the annual event, are piloting a new format for this year’s running, mixing up the categories, ages and genders able to race together.
A committee spokesperson said: “We recognised the threat that traditional regattas face from the increased availability of six-lane events, which prompted the move last year to the new format, whilst also addressing the demand from rowers for closer, more exciting races.
READ: Chester Regatta revamp for 2015 vindicated as races thrill crowds
“Turning the standard regatta on its head, the Regatta Committee wanted to not just attract the top crews who use Chester as a vital part of their Henley preparation, but also rowers of all ages, abilities, shapes, sizes and boat composition.
“The normal categories in which boats race don’t apply, crews will be matched based solely on boat speed, so a crew could be made up in any combination, crossing genders and generations in one boat.
“A grandparent rowing with their grandchild, husbands and wives, expert with novice, whatever mix you can think of. What matters is how fast you can make your boat go.”
LOOK: The 2015 Chester Regatta in pictures
The regatta, which will also include a division featuring their adaptive rowing programme, will begin at 10am on Saturday at Sandy Lane, concluding at 4pm.
The six clubs based on the Dee will all renew rivalries event and will also be pitted against the cream of the North West rowing scene.
Talent on show last year went on to compete at the pinnacle of British rowing, representing Great Britain, while winners and medallists at the British Championships and selected crews at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta were also on show
Regatta secretary Jan Chillery said: "Many people who live in Chester have no idea about the talent we produce on the Dee, so we would encourage them to come along and see some great racing and sample the great atmosphere."
