COMPETITION on the water and plenty of fun ashore is promised as the 170th Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta swings into action. This year's programme kicks-off tomorrow, with events running until Sunday, August 31. Rowing is once again at the heart of the regatta with a series of races to watch on the river, while off shore more than 250 racing yachts are expected to make a sight to behold in Start Bay. The ever popular tennis tournament starts the ball rolling tomorrow in Coronation Park from 9.30am. At 10am, it's splash off for the swimming gala at the town's pool where there will be races and relays for all ages. The day continues with dingy racing on the river, water polo in the Boatfloat, a fete in Royal Avenue Gardens and 'last night of the proms' at the bandstand at 7pm. Events and heats carry on throughout the week when there will also be a tug-of-war competition in Coronation Park on Monday at 3pm and darts at the Anzac Club at 7.30pm. The Regatta Shindig is due to take place in a marquee on Coronation Park at 6pm on Monday and the Regatta Ball is being held the following evening at the same venue. Golf, a street market, waterborne treasure hunt and air displays will provide a fitting build up to the opening ceremony at 7.30pm at the bandstand on Wednesday. Regatta Rock takes to the stage of the Coronation Park marquee at 7.30pm. The regatta guardship HMS Brocklesby will sail into port on Thursday morning when the programme steps up a gear with more competition on the water and onshore entertainment and music. Fireworks will round off the day at 9pm. The programme continues into the following weekend with more breathtaking air displays, including the famous Red Arrows. Mayor's Avenue car park will close from 6pm tomorrow until 8am on Sunday, August 31, to allow for the planned funfair.