PLANS are well underway to ensure that Saltash's 165th Regatta will hopefully attract even more people than the 12,000 who flocked to last year's two day event.

Regatta 2000 is lined up for July 15 and 16 and, as usual, will be based around the green at the Waterside, as well as on the river.

The first day will be opened officially, at noon, by local MP Colin Breed, accompanied by his wife Janet, while Saltash mayor Bryan Preston, due to attend with mayoress Jennifer, will begin the first race at lpm. Sydney Harley, president of the small but enthusiastic Regatta committee, who organise events on the water, said there will be 15 races altogether on the Saturday.

These will include Cornish traditional rowing, taking in ran dans and flash boats, and canoes. Naval teams from HMS Raleigh will also compete for the solid silver, 18" high, Prince of Wales cup, presented by the Prince of Wales in l909.

There will also be canoe demonstrations and taster sessions organised by the Tamar Canoe Association, and first day trophies will be presented that evening by the mayor. The rowing races will contribute towards Cornish Rowing Association championship points.

On Sunday Caradon gig club will organise pilot gig racing from 2pm, with Saltash sailing club lending rescue boats, and involved in this part of the two day celebration through the gig section.

Great backing has come from the Saltash Festival 99/2000 Committee for the Regatta, especially regarding organisation of land-based activities.

The Olympic Radio Roadshow will contribute to the entertainment, while there will also be circus workshops, face painting, the town band providing music.

Also planned by the Festival committee is national waterskiing on July 9 and a circus from July 27-29.