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Cruising & Racing

Racing at Colne Yacht Club

Our Sailing Committee has put together a full year of racing designed to suit all boats and sailing abilities. Whether you enjoy regular competition or prefer the flexibility of one-off events, there is something for everyone.

For those unable to commit to a full series, we also run an Annual Regatta along with several Cup Races throughout the summer.

We have established fleets of Sonatas, Dehler 34s, and a wide range of other cruisers racing under the YTC handicap system.

After racing, there is always hot food and cold beer waiting in the Clubhouse or the Oar Store Bar creating a welcoming social atmosphere for skippers, crews, race officers, and spectators alike.

Our Racing Programme

Pursuit Series: Friday evening races featuring a two-lap format (smaller boats complete one lap). Each boat has an individual start time based on size and sail area, ensuring exciting finishes and a relaxed start line.

Cock of the River Series: Open to all cruisers and keelboats. Slower boats sail one lap, while faster boats complete two, across six Saturdays between May and September.

Long Distance Series: Four offshore-style races designed to test both large boats and crew endurance.

Spring, Summer, and Autumn Series: Each consists of five races held on Saturdays for all boat classes, using courses set within the Colne and Blackwater estuaries.

Midweek and Class Racing

Sonata Class: A competitive 15-race series over five Wednesday evenings as part of our Midweek Leagues.

Brightlingsea One Design (BOD): Run jointly with Brightlingsea Sailing Club, this local fleet was designed in 1927 by Robbie Stone and remains largely unchanged since C1 Jean first took to the water. The class offers lively racing for sailors of all ages.

About 20 BODs actively race fiercely competitive on the water, but famously relaxed in the bar. They run their own racing and social programme, alternating between Colne Yacht Club and Brightlingsea Sailing Club events. Highlights include the annual BBQ and the Final Fling lunch.

Dehler Owners: A weekend each season is dedicated entirely to this class.

New for 2026!

Passage Race to Bradwell: A brand-new two-day event! Boats race upriver to Bradwell, enjoy an overnight stay, and return to Colne Yacht Club the following day.

Race Documentation

Please ensure the following documents are submitted before racing:

Email your YTC Certificate Link Form Link Needed
Email your Race Entry Declaration Form Form Link Needed

Send all documents to waterside@colneyachtclub.org.uk and copy simonfarren@hotmail.com (Simon compiles the handicap start list).

The Racing Programme

Sailing Documents (Current):

Downloads

Last updated 18:02 on 28 May 2026