Brightlingsea - July 30th - August 12th

[Cobra]

Just a heads up to anyone heading towards Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe or the Colne in general over the next couple of weeks.

From the 30th July to the 4th August it is the Colne Cadet Week with dinghy racing every day.
From the 5th August to the 12th it is the Annual Brightlingsea SC Pyefleet Week Regatta.

Anyone who has attempted entering Brightlingsea during these two events in previous years will understand just how crowded the area gets with a large number of vociferous and enthusiastic dinghy sailors seemingly taking up every square inch of the river!

Please give these guys consideration if you are approaching the river, I know that we all have a right to be on the water and all because they are racing doesn't give them automatic right of way, BUT a wee bit of forethought about where you put yourself in relation to those who are enjoying their race can make everyones experience on our fantastic ditch that much more pleasant!

Also watch out over the coming weeks as the Brightlingsea SC have a series of open meetings for dinghies ranging from OK's in mid August to their catamaran 'RegFest' in late September.

 

[merlin3688]

The starts for Pyefleet week every day are from a committee boat in an area from number 13 to number 12, we will try and keep out of the creek for the start apart from Big Wednesday when the start will be just inside the Spit Bouy, this race is an all in handicap with about 80 boats starting. We will be finishing all races apart from the Wednesday on the BSC club line.
This year we have Class, Handicap, Cat, Cruiser and Novice starts, all are welcome for the week or a single day. More detail can be found on www.sailbrightlingsea.com.

 

[pks1702]

Thanks for the heads up.

Planned to have a 'wander' to Brightlingsea tomorrow but in light of your information will give it a miss and leave it to the Optimists etc.

 

[merlin3688]

We started the Colne Cadet Week today with a strong breeze and 20+ dinghies. We split them in to Gold and Silver fleet with a rule that the Silver fleet can be helped around the course. Silver fleet sailors are anyone who is new to sailing and never raced before.
6 boats in total were in the Silver fleet and helped by the ribs. Without the help they would never have got round and I am sure by the end of the week they will be sailing without a little help from us!
The parents were so proud of the little kids who got round in very difficult conditions, lets hope the rain and wind forecast tomorrow stay away!