Colne Smack & Barge Race 2018

CK46 Gracie, built in 1890 chases the Charlotte Ellen, CK258 of 1906  

Blessed by weather more appropriate to the Mediterranean than the muddy shores of Essex, the fleet for Colne Smack & Barge Race sailed out of Brightlingsea for another friendly contest and a display of living history for local fishing and trading boats.

With a turn out of 10 sailing barges and 10 sailing smacks starting at 7.30am and 8am respectively, they glided across the start line from Bateman’s Tower on the Brightlingsea front and gave spectators a close up view as they hugged the shore on Stone Point on Mersea Island, before heading out on a course turning at Clacton Pier.

Steve Heppell’s 1907 Brightlingsea built smack CK348 My Alice was the first of the smacks, and won 1^st prize overall, with the St Osyth based Edme leading the barges home.

The race is run by Colne Smack Preservation Society www.colnesmack.co.uk which was set up in 1972 to promote an interest in sailing, and racing, smacks in and around the River Colne and  to preserve what was left of the once large fleet of sailing smacks from the River Colne. From this small beginning the future of the smacks is now assured with the fleet that is sailing increasing every year as more smacks are being restored and rebuilt.

“The purpose of the Society and the annual sailing match is to encourage the preservation and sailing of traditionally rigged sailing smacks and this year’s event saw a good turnout of smacks and barges,” said race organiser Paul Winter.

Barge start  

“The 2019 event will include a third class for small gaff rigged open boats, primarily the Mersea Fishermans Open Boat’s, which will sail a course within the River and provide closer enjoyment for spectators ashore.”

Results (click image to enlarge)