Aldeburgh to Orford Fundraising Flotilla 2024

Swimmers and paddlers. Join us for the famous Aldeburgh to Orford flotilla. A 5 mile swim or paddle (board / row / canoe / kayak) through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It’s a challenge, but all for a fantastic cause.

We, The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust (AOET), aim to provide, preserve, maintain and improve river defences and flood protection, always taking into account the conservation and protection of the natural environment, features of historic interest and the landscape and beauty of the Alde and Ore. 

The Alde and Ore estuary is a unique environment. The 44km of river walls provide a crucial defence against flooding, protecting local communities, homes and businesses. They also provide and protect a rich, natural and diverse habitat for an immense variety of flora and fauna.

In January 2023, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Regional Flood & Coastal Committee (RFCC) approved funding for the Upper Estuary and work has begun to raise, widen and strengthen the river walls. Once upgraded, these resilient river defences will be able to withstand a 1 in 75 year flood event (1.33% chance), even when overtopped. The EA will provide a grant for the Lower Estuary, but we need funds to bridge the gap between what the EA will give, and how much the Lower Estuary will cost.

Our flotilla will be match-funded, so your fundraising is important to help us to reach our target and to make this flotilla a resounding success. By entering our flotilla you can help to make a difference to preserve, improve and protect our estuary. Are you up for the challenge?

Event Details:

Start: Aldeburgh Yacht Club

Finish: Orford Sailing Club

Distance: Just under 5 miles, accompanied by the outgoing tide.

Time Estimate:

• Good swimmers: 1.5 hours
• Recreational swimmers: 2 hours +
• Paddlers: 1 hour +

Entry Fees:

• £50 per recreational swimmer (16 years +, maximum 100 swimmers across both classes)
• £50 per elite swimmer (16 years +)
• £40 per paddler (12 years +, maximum 50)

Safety Measures:

• Swimmers provided with a numbered, high-visibility swimming cap and a towable swimming float.
• Paddlers provided with a numbered baseball cap to be worn throughout the event.
• Paddlers expected to provide support and act as safety vessels for swimmers if required.
• Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible participating adult throughout the flotilla.

Individual Sponsorship: We encourage all participants to seek sponsorship, with a target of £250 from each of you or why not make it a group or family fundraiser. Your efforts will contribute to our fundraising goal of £40,000 from this event. We are delighted to have at least £20,000 in match-funding, so for this, we need your help. Your sponsorship and donations could be doubled. Please download the sponsorship form from our website or create your own Just Giving page through our campaign.

Cancellation Policy: In the unlikely event of cancellation due to bad weather or unsuitable conditions, entry fees will NOT be refunded. Your entry fee will be treated as a donation to The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust. Notification of cancellation will be sent via email by 4pm the day before.

Timings: Compulsory briefing for all participants at Aldeburgh Yacht Club at 8.30am on the day. All participants must set off by 9.30am at the latest for your safety and in consideration of other club events.

Refreshments: Hot drinks will be available for purchase at Aldeburgh Yacht Club before the start. Complimentary refreshments provided for all participants at the finish at Orford Sailing Club.

Transport: Safety boats and some volunteers' cars will be available to transport participants back to Aldeburgh Yacht Club after the event. If you would like to secure a spot, please let us know in advance.

Photography: Photographers will capture moments throughout the flotilla for marketing and press purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, do let us know.

Declaration: By signing up and paying your fee, you confirm your understanding of the terms and conditions. Make sure to read the documents available here.

If you have questions or wish to contribute as a business sponsor or volunteer, contact us at operations@aoetrust.org.

A big THANK YOU to all our sponsors and volunteer supporters for their generosity. Let's make this flotilla a resounding success!

Fair winds and following tides,

The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust