2013 East Coast Piers Race - Preview
by Andrew Dowley 16 May 2013 08:11 BST
29-30 June 2013
East Coast Piers Race course © Marconi Sailing Club
The 2013 East Coast Piers Race sponsored by Wildwind Sailing Holidays is being held on the 29th and 30th June this year. The race is one of the most established long distance races in the country; since 1987 the East Coast Piers Race has attracted top continental sailors and development classes, along with the cream of big cat sailors.
However, the East Coast Piers Race (48 miles) isn't just for big cats - a shorter, but no less demanding course (known as The Colne Point Race - 27 miles) is always available for smaller cats and now fast dinghies with a PY of 917 or faster.
The East Coast Piers race weekend is a two day event being held on the 29th and 30th June at Marconi Sailing Club. Free camping is available from Friday to Monday with in shore racing on Saturday and the long distance races on the Sunday.
The Marconi team have the organisation down to a fine art - with a spacious marquee, a huge grassy boat park in which to camp and park, intimate Club bar, and excellent race organisation. The course is marked with cruiser "mother ships" flying orange flags, and quite easy for first timers. It is a challenge, but a manageable one.
You sail from the start off Osea Pier, down the Blackwater Estuary to Bradwell, across the Estuary, and then along the coast passing Clacton Pier and turning at Walton Pier. The shorter course turns at Colne Point.
Come and join us for a great weekend of racing and social all in aid of The Cirdan Trust and Essex Air Ambulance. Last year we raised over £14,000 for the charities with help from the sailors and sponsors!
Please note
To compete in the East Coast Piers Race, at least one crew member must be over the age of 18. Under-16's are not permitted. Single handed sailors must be over 18 years of age.
The following safety equipment must also be present on the boat on the Sunday:
- One Buoyancy Aid/Life Jacket per crew member
- 10m tow line per boat
- One flare per crew member
- One paddle per boat
- One compass per boat
For more information