Dragon racing on the River Crouch – photo Roger Mant
Burnham Week Ltd (BWL) is delighted to announce Burnham Week 2021 is now open for entry writes Sue Pelling.
This premier east coast regatta (28 August-4 September) at Burnham-on-Crouch traditionally takes place to include the August Bank Holiday, which means now is the time to plan that all-important nautical staycation.
Book your holiday at this east coast beauty spot with eight days of fantastic racing and prizes on offer for both weekend and mid-week racing. There is something for everyone at Burnham Week with a wide range of classes to choose from including spinnaker and non-spinnaker racing divisions. The day boat classes such as the Dragon, Squib, and local one-designs (Royal Burnham and Royal Corinthian One-Designs) always enjoy a good turnout. For the first time also, BWL has expanded the event to include divisions for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and river swimmers.
Annie Reid – BWL Chairman – said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all – previous and new competitors alike – to Burnham Week 2021. With so much on offer, never has there been a better time to enjoy staying on ‘home turf’ for a fun, family holiday in Burnham-on-Crouch. With plenty of local accommodation and camping facilities, and so many places of interest to visit nearby, Burnham Week 2021 is definitely one to consider.”
For a three-day short-break, the Bank Holiday weekend racing is hugely popular with not only the Multihull Offshore Cruising & Racing Association (MOCRA ) but also dinghy fleets, which offer a series of weekend races for Ospreys and mixed handicap classes, or any class that can muster a fleet of seven.
The final Saturday is Trophy Day and, for IRC classes, includes a chance to win the prestigious Town Cup, which is being run alongside the Houghton Cup (one of the oldest offshore races on the East Coast) in conjunction with EAORA (East Anglian Offshore Racing Association).
In response to competitors’ requests Edwin Buckley – PRO – said he hopes being flexible will encourage wider participation in Burnham Week 2021: “Flexibility is a common request from competitors, and we are setting up to do just that. First starts will be at midday – some fleets are looking for one start each day and other fleets are asking if they can have two starts each day, midweek. The answer is: ‘Yes, you can’. We are going to be flexible and provide the racing each fleet is aiming for.”
The Squib fleet is always well supported – photo Roger Mant
Buckley was also keen to point out that, should Government restrictions and guidance restrict activities at the time, plans are already in place. “We have a great team ready to adapt our regatta format and any social events we have planned.”
As well as the competitive nature of this iconic family regatta, Burnham Week’s fun social reputation is legendary. As usual there are events lined up at all three clubs (Royal Corinthian YC, Royal Burnham YC, Burnham SC) throughout the week. One of the biggest events of the Week is Quay Day, a fun-packed day for everyone on Bank Holiday Monday (30 August).
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