Chairman's MessageBURNHAM WEEK 2011 starts on the Saturday of August Bank Holiday Weekend and is the last major regatta of the sailing season – so why not come and join in the racing which takes place in the rivers Crouch and Roach.
Burnham Week 2011 will not be affected by the Wallasea Wetlands project – work scheduled to commence in late summer has now been delayed.
We cater for a variety of classes ranging from cruisers – IRC, Local Handicap, Cruising Multi-hulls - to one man dinghies. For those who prefer more leisurely cruiser racing there is a local handicap ‘white sails’ non spinnaker class which is ideal if you have not raced before. This is also a great class for the family, allowing all ages to get afloat and race together.
We are aware that not everyone can compete in the eight days of racing so the regatta is divided into two series, Bank Holiday and Mid-week series with the final Saturday designated as Trophy Day with all classes racing for their Saturday Trophy and IRC Class One competing for the prestigious Town Cup.
Cruiser and dayboat classes will start the majority of their races from a committee boat to the east of the town; spectators can enjoy a very pleasant walk along the seawall to watch the racing. The IRC boats will race out of the river past Shore Ends, while the other classes will keep mainly to the inshore waters also using the River Roach. All fleets will race up river as part of the mid-week regatta and for these races they will start in the vicinity of the Burnham Sailing Club line.
The dinghies have a different schedule; their regatta will be over the Bank Holiday Weekend, Ospreys racing from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club line and the remainder of the dinghies from the Burnham Sailing Club.
There are over 100 trophies to be won, with prize giving for the Bank Holiday series taking place on Monday and the remainder of the trophies being presented on the final Saturday.
The social scene is a big part of the week and each of the four clubs has a full social programme, with something for everyone whether it is a quiet dinner or late night partying –for details see link to the clubs on the website.
Once again the JCC will be supporting the Essex Air Ambulance – running the Duck Race on the final Saturday – ducks will be on sale in local pubs and yacht clubs.
On Sunday at 1700hrs The R.N.L.I. will be holding the annual blessing of the lifeboat on the Quay outside the White Harte.
The WEEKS GRAND FINALE will be the firework display which takes place on the last Saturday at approximately 2100hrs on Wallasea Island opposite Burnham.
As you can see, there is so much going on afloat and ashore that the whole family can enjoy, whether for the weekends or the whole week. If you’ve not tried it before, come and have a go, it’s a fantastic week full of great racing and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Jo Barker
(J.C.C. Chairman)