Competitors are taking on the traditional greasy pole challenge at the Whitby Regatta this weekend following the unique preparation of a large tree towed from Sandsend.
Brave competitors will take on a traditional maritime challenge this weekend as the famous greasy pole returns for the Whitby Regatta.
A massive tree has been completely transformed to create the centrepiece for the slippery spectacle. The raw timber was initially stripped of its branches before making an unusual journey down the North Yorkshire coastline to reach the event.
The heavy load was towed through the sea behind a rowing boat, travelling all the way from Sandsend into Whitby Harbour.
Once safely in the harbour, the wood was stored at Coates Marine, where it underwent careful preparation. The remaining bark was stripped away, and the wood was whittled down to create a smooth surface for the competitors to navigate.
Environmental considerations have also been factored into the final preparations. The pole has been coated using tallow grease, which is entirely safe for the water and poses no threat to local marine life.
Participants hoping to test their balance and bravery can sign up on the day, with the main event scheduled to closely coincide with the changing tides.
Event organiser Lindsay Close, who has helped arrange the pole events at regatta weekend, detailed the journey of the timber and the schedule for the day.
"And that's a big tree that came as a tree and they took all the branches and everything off and then one day we managed to tow it behind a rowing boat all the way from Sandsend down to Whitby Harbour where it's been staying at Coates Marine while it's been getting all the bark taken off and whittled down into the greasy pole. The grease that we're using, tallow grease, so it's fine for marine life and everything as well so it's safe to go in the in the water. High tide is 10 past 12. It might be just before it might just be after but we're opening registration for it around about 10:00 in the morning."
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