Chairmans thoughts for 2026

In this non-Fastnet year, for 2026 the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association is offering a new format programme in the hope of encouraging more boats to sample the delights of racing beyond their local waters.

The season will start with a coastal regatta to make the most of the first May Bank Holiday. There will be races from Harwich to Medway (Saturday May 2), Medway to Burnham (Sunday May 3) and Burnham to West Mersea (Monday May 4). This will give seasoned racers a great opportunity to test and tune their boats a couple of weeks before the RORC’s North Sea Race (Harwich to Scheveningen on Friday May 15).

To encourage newcomers, the mini regatta will have classes for both IRC and YTC handicap systems.

YTC entrants will also be welcome to join in EAORA’s renowned Southern Holland Race Week (Monday June 22 to Friday June 26) - racing in sheltered inland waters, visiting favourite Dutch ports and with a great social programme, an event not to be missed. IRC entrants can start their week with the RORC East Coast Race (Harwich to Breskens on Saturday June 20).

On the 19th July with the Round the Goodwins Race at the start of Ramsgate week. Then, on the 15th August we race with Harwich Combined Clubs for the HMS Halcyon Cup from Harwich to Lowestoft, and then the Houghton Cup during Burnham Week on the 5th September before the traditional season’s finale race, The Buckley Goblets West Mersea to Ostend Friday September 18.

At EAORA we know that the South Coast has seen an increase in competitors, especially double handed. Our Coastal & Offshore series really works well for those wishing to reduce crew and cover some distance at sea.  

Our Prize giving and AGM will be on the 31st October 2026 at the Colne Yacht Club.

I look forward to seeing you all out on the water.

 

Paul Wood

Chairman

East Anglian Offshore Racing Association