As we approach Burnham Regatta Week, which takes place at the end of this month, I am brushing up on all things nautical! As our Wild Coast Project is sited on an island, we are obviously perfectly placed to get involved with those using the water around the island, just as much as those on the island.The Wild Coast Paddle in May was our first venture into the rivers but we are soon to get a lot more familiar with sea-faring terms.
Last weekend the Hallberg-Rassey Owners Association held their annual rally in Burnham-on-Crouch and we were delighted to welcome owners of these handsome, classic, Swedish built yachts to the island for a tour of our site. Unlike the local yachtsmens' tour earlier in the year, the weather was lovely and I didn't stall the minibus once! Known far and wide for their sturdy construction, superb craftsmanship and signature seaworthiness, these Germán Frers designed boats are globally respected for their elegant lines and spirited performance. It was lovely to welcome visitors from further up the coast ,including some from the Royal Harwich yacht club,and to hear of their boats and travels.
Members of the local yacht clubs will soon be able to ask us any burning questions they may have - and teach me my port from my starboard - when we set a course for Burnham and set up our displays in the clubhouses 'across the ditch' to chat about our project during regatta week. As a non-sailor, I hope not to make a complete fool of myself with my lack of nautical knowledge, and look forward to staying out of the galley, keeping my port in the glass, making new friends and acquiring a better understanding of the sport.
Burnham Week is arguably the longest running annual yacht regatta on the mainland of the UK. It's organised by the Joint Clubs' Committee, comprising representatives from the four clubs in Burnham together with other members who have a specific responsibility during the week. This year there will be a new race added - The RSPB Wallasea Island Cup, sponsored by the Wild Coast Project. This interclub race,is a team race sailed in RS Fevas, the world's best selling two-person sailboat in recent years. It will take place on the morning of Sunday 4th September, before the annual St Matthew Cup that afternoon. Details can be found on the Burnham Sailing Club's website and I look forward to presenting our shiny new cup for the first of many years to come.
I've gone wild on Wallasea!