A while back it was announced in the maritime press that there was to be an International day for bringing together the marine industry, marina/ports and the marine fraternity. This has been set for 23rd May 2026 and apparently has generated much interest with many organisations signing up.
Following on, another date has been set for the industry and fraternity which is aimed at the huge population living a ‘stones throw’ away from the coast world-wide. Approximately 1.2 billion by the organisations estimation.
See: Can one day unite a fragmented sailing industry?
It is stated:
‘Yacht clubs, sailing schools, marinas, ports, boat builders, brokers, charter companies, tourism operators, museums and youth organisations are all encouraged to participate in ways that reflect their local markets. Media and waterfront businesses are also included, signalling a broader attempt to link sailing with lifestyle and coastal economies.’
Within that statement, I read, local communities too.
It is all true, of course, that all the organisations mentioned exist, however, by and large, there is little or no interface. There was the much vaunted Marina/Owner events at UK marinas and harbours to encourage participation and boat use. Not a lot came of that initiative: marinas are packed with ‘permanently moored’ vessels.
It is rare for the waterfront community to interact with a weekend of club dinghy racing. There is generally some interaction during say, a regatta week – locally for me, there is West Mersea Regatta which is a very large event and garners waterfront activity running alongside the waterborne events. Up the R. Colne at Wivenhoe a lower level of interaction occurs too.
West Mersea Regatta – smack race 2025.
Around the Thames Coast rivers there are a number of Thames sailing barge matches, however, interaction between the public and the ability to ‘be there’ that is be close enough to see the action comes pretty low down the order. Look at what the Americas Cup has done…
Years ago I suggested in an email to the organisers of a match in the ‘barge world’ that match committees should consider their audience. After a hiatus at the Southend Barge Match and its demise for a couple of seasons when the Southend Authority pulled out, the series has returned with an inshore route essentially between Shoebury and Southend Pier. The event has since been an increasing success story with more participants as each has happened. I think it started with three … increasing to around six last year. I don’t know how many have entered for the 2026 event. But the main point is that the sea front and pier have been packed … the local authority still eschews the event but it seems to be firmly in the Shoebury YC calendar now.
Clearly TSBs need more room than smacks but it is good that smacks are still allowed to race right up into Wivenhoe for the regatta race.
Spritsail barges rounding a ‘Colne’ buoy…
Last year the Blackwater barge match fell in with West Mersea Regatta: why couldn’t there have been a mark off West Mersea to to improve/increase shoreside participation?
I am not sure (not heard) if anything to do with this World Sailing Day is going to be taking place up my little creek at Maylandsea – perhaps I should ask around!
What is for certain is that I will speak to people and maybe get a day sailing from mooring then a ‘flag event’ or ‘boat lights’ for afterwards, even if I do it alone, with my mate of course…
TSB moored bottom West Mersea hard for water events – greasy pole etc. The shore can be seen to be thick with people…
Is your club, marina or boating group going to be doing anything?
Whimbrel dressed overall for Finesse Rally 2025 at Blackwater Marina.