Ratting Day is the annual tradition when teams of Tristan da Cunha men compete to rid the Potato Patches of rats.

Event News

Ratting Day 2021

Report and photos from Randal Repetto

Ratting Day 9th April 2021. This event is held once a year, it was first created to try and get rid of the rats, but now it has become more of a competition amongst the islanders which everyone enjoys.

Early Morning, the island men gathered in their groups and set out with their dogs to various parts of the potato patches looking for rats. Later on in the morning the women go out to the patches with refreshments for the men, who have spent the whole day hunting. In the evening everyone made their way back to the settlement to get their rat tails counted and measured, to see which groups were the winners.

The Second Watron team discusses tools and tactics

The Second Watron ratting team discusses tools and tactics

The men and their dogs hunting. Cutting tails from dead rats
The men and their dogs hunting. Collecting the tails,

The dogs dispatch a rat

The dogs dispatch a rat

A ratting gang with their haul. L-R: Dean, Clifton, and Riaan Repetto

A Second Watran gang with their haul. L-R: Dean, Clifton, and Riaan Repetto. Not shown: Randal Repetto.

Judging

The day's results were judged at the Veterinary Department. Dr Silvio Morales counted and measured the tails, overseen by Martin Green, Administrator Steve Townsend, and island vet Riaan Repetto.

Martin Green, Dr Silvio Morales, and Steve Townsend examining Riaan Repetto's haul of tails Measuring the longest tail
Dr Silvio Morales counts a haul of tails. Measuring the longest tail.

Winners

Most Tails

Prize Tails per man Winning Team
First 36.5 Coolers
Second 32.3 Jacks Pieces
Third 24.4 Second Watron

Longest Tail

Prize Longest Tail Winning Team
First 29cm Second Watron
Second 27cm Jacks Pieces
Total Number of Tails Caught = 482
Booby Prize: Redbody Hill

Steve Townsend announcing the winners, with Martin Green, Dr Silvio Morales and Kate Sherry

Steve Townsend announcing the winners, with Martin Green, Dr Silvio Morales and Kate Sherry

Martin Green awarding prizes Steve Townsend awarding a prize to Ramon Repetto
Above and below: Prize being awarded to the leaders of the winning gangs.
Steve Townsend awarding a prize Awarding prizes