Nore Race
Every year about a hundred boats enter and enjoy the Nore Race, a race around the Thames Estuary from Southend Pier and back again.
The range of sailing boat types is startling. From foiling Moths, every type of dinghy, to cruising yachts and heavy, gaff rigged boats. Entrants come mostly from local clubs but also from Kent, nearer London and mid-Essex.
It all started in the 1920s when the club was born and it seemed nearly everyone along the Southend foreshore had a small boat and wanted an excuse to sail it fast. The course included the old Nore lightship at the mouth of the Thames. Today they race around buoys, some with ‘Nore’ in their name but, rather sadly, no lightship.
To give every entrant a fair chance they use the Portsmouth Yardstick handicap system for all boats with nine classes and many other categories, giving about 30 trophies and 60 prizes. This is a celebration of participation as much as achievement.
The next event will be on 23 June 2018 when the tides are near neap, and the race is run over low water, which gives the least effect of tide but perhaps with just a slight advantage to slower boats!
The full details will be shown in the programme that may be downloaded from the club website or available by post. The entry fee is kept low, just £20. This includes a free race pennant and free entry to the Prizegiving the following Friday evening for all skippers, crew, family and friends.
The Benfleet Yacht Club is based on Benfleet Creek, which is tidal but has bankside moorings for 50 boats and trott moorings for many more. There is storage for 250 boats and the club has one of the few slipways in the lower Thames. There is a full program of sailing and social events every year.
Phil Bostock, Sailing Secretary for Benfleet Yacht Club
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