Summer Cruise 2026

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Please note slight change to previously published details - updated 14/05/2026

Building on the success and feedback from the 2025 cruise and its focus on the Rivers Ore and Alde, we are planning on stretching our legs and covering some sea miles in 2026. The cruise will start on the 19th of July at West Mersea Yacht Club, this is the day after the East Coast race at WMYC so don’t forget to enter for the big race. We will leave Mersea and head north stopping at some of our regular haunts and some new locations (to the ECOGA) before finishing at Southwold Sailing club.

Sunday 19th will be the Two Rivers Race from Mersea to Brightlingsea, we will be berthing on the Heritage Pontoon in Brightlingsea and seeing the return of the Safari supper.

Monday 20th we will head down the Wallet as a cruise in company and anchor at Stone Point in the Walton Backwaters.

Tuesday 21st is to be a day in or around the Walton Backwaters with the possibility of a dinghy sail up Hamford Water or a big boat race out to sea, watch this space.

Wednesday 22nd will be the Seaways Bells passage race from the Walton channel to the Woodbridge Haven buoy, the fleet will then head up the Deben to pick up moorings (or anchor) at Waldringfield

Thursday 23rd will be a lay day, sailing in dinghies and big boats down to Felixstowe Ferry, visiting Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club for a beer or two in the evening for thirsty crews.

Friday 24th we will be making the passage north to Southwold where boats will raft up outside the sailing club in the River Blyth before the final dinner at the Harbour Inn and prizegiving in Southwold Sailing Club.

Saturday 25th we are hoping to organise a tour of the Southwold brewery for crews that have made it all the way up to Southwold.

On Sunday 26th we sail home - or wherever the wind takes you!

Once again we have split the ticketing so that skippers can show interest early on, paying entry fee only, and be kept up to date with more details as they emerge and any change in plans. Meal tickets and any other options can be booked by skippers and/or individual crew members through a separate booking form.

We're aiming for lots of socialising, sailing, racing and fun activities. We hope as many of you as possible will join us.

After a long period of organising event T-shirts every year we are intending to take a break from them in 2026, however if you would love a T-shirt and would like to volunteer your services to design and/or organise one please let a committee member know at the earliest possible opportunity.

If anyone is unable to use the online booking form please ring Graham on 07467381713 who will take your order (have your bank card handy) or send a paper or PDF form.
Image : picnic at Orford Sailing Club 2025, Edith van Dijk