Swallows and Amazons - 27th to 29th June, 2025

Areas -> East Coast -> Events

Our premier open boat event for everyone, now in its 26th year! Join us once again at the Walton & Frinton Yacht Club  to race around the Island, and explore the backwaters.

We are repeating the three day format this year. To further extend the sailing we have sought deep water moorings nearby. Titchmarsh Marina have generously agreed to discounted deep water pontoon moorings for the Friday and Saturday nights. These are included in the event entry. Launching and recovery will take place at Walton & Frinton Yacht Club and we will organise transport between the Yacht Club and marina as required. We have agreed to minimise the number of cars left at the marina.

Draft programme for the weekend is as follows:

• Thursday pm - Arrival to make the most of the three days
• Friday (HW 13:57) - We will launch at Walton & Frinton Yacht Club and then explore the more remote creeks in the Backwaters taking lunch with us. We will have a BBQ on a beach in the evening, conditions permitting. We will return to Titchmarsh Marina and lifts will be arranged for the return to the Yacht Club, campervans and campsite.
• Saturday (HW 14:43) - Lifts will be arranged to the marina for the race around Horsey Island. After the sailing we will return the boats to the marina. Arranged transport will return us to the Yacht Club for the Prize-Giving at 1830 on the clubhouse balcony. Dinner will be at 1900. 
• Sunday (HW 15:26) - Lifts will be arranged to the marina for more exploring of the Backwaters. We will return to the Yacht Club before High Water to recover the boats.

Note: This event is one week before the East Coast Race, at Stone Sailing Club on the Blackwater.
This will include a Class 5 (small open boat) race this year and Stone Sailing Club have offered
storage for trailable boats for the week to anyone wanting to attend both events.
Contact: Simon Wakefield secretary@stonesc.org.uk

Launching and Recovery

The Walton & Frinton Yacht Club generously clear a large space for us to store trailers and boats when out of the water. There are two slipways and there will be an army of sailors to help launch and recover 2-3 hours either side of High Water.

Campervans and Tents

Campervans will be able to park on 'Dolphin Square' overlooking 'The Pond' and the Wilberforces have very generously made there camping field available.
There is no charge for either of these but please book your space on the entry form.

Saturday Dinner

Walton & Frinton Yacht Club have kindly come up with a menu for us for Saturday evening at 1900.
You can buy tickets on the entry form, indicating your choices from:

Hunters Chicken with chips and homemade coleslaw 
OR 
Homemade Vegetable Lasagne.   

------ followed by -----

Apple Crumble and custard
OR
Summer Berry Cheesecake.   

Racing

Please read the following documents for details of the Race on Saturday:

Notice of Race                                Sailing Instructions

All boats must have a valid handicap to take part. You can check the Handicap we hold for your boat here.  If your boat is missing or is flagged with a Status other than 'OK' please submit a Handicap Measurement Form.  You do not need to submit a form for a class dinghy if it meets class specifications. Please note that we have introduced a Smacks Boat class definition and standard handicaps for 'Light', 'Standard' and 'Heavy' Smacks Boats. We will be able to help with handicaps at the event if necessary.

Skippers of boats who are racing will required to agree to the 'Skipper's Declaration'.

The race will form part of the Class 5 Annual Points Series.

Safety

The safety of everybody ashore and afloat is important. Please read, assess and act on the East Coast OGA Risk Assessment.

Insurance

All boats taking part must carry Third Party Insurance for at least £3 million. This must cover racing if you plan to take part in the race on Saturday.