Thousands of people enjoyed it and thousands of pounds were raised on the day, but last year's Port of Dover Community Regatta continues to have a lasting effect in bringing the Port and community together by nurturing the sailing skills of local young people.
Local youth charity Cinque Ports Pirates was chosen as the beneficiary of the money raised during the 2014 Regatta from the Port of Dover-sponsored Dover Port Dash tournament. An RS Tera type boat has now been purchased and was officially named on Tuesday as 'Community Spirit', one of three it has bought thanks to various benefactors.
Having been asked by the charity to name the boat, the Port ran a staff competition and the winning entry came from Senior Systems Engineer, Karl Bowman and Port of Dover Police officer, Martin Dadd.
Attending the official naming ceremony, Barbara Buczek, General Manager - Business Development, said: "The name chosen by Port staff was Community Spirit, reflecting how the Port is playing its part at the heart of the community. Whilst we keep Dover, the Port and the UK economy moving, we are also working together with local good causes to enable young people to actively enjoy the recreational and educational benefits of the Port."
Karen Amber, Cinque Ports Pirates, says: "The money raised has brought the local community and the Port closer together in providing more opportunities for local young people to experience the enjoyment of sailing. Cinque Port Pirates is so closely connected with the harbour, it is fitting that Port of Dover staff who work here every day, had their input into naming Community Spirit."
