Mersea Week 2026
Mersea Week 2026 once again lived up to its reputation as one of the highlights of the East Coast sailing calendar, providing competitors with a full week of challenging racing, shifting conditions, and excellent shoreside camaraderie.
The opening races took place in light south-westerly winds, demanding patience and tactical precision as crews searched for pressure across the Blackwater Estuary. As the week progressed, stronger breezes arrived, producing exhilarating downwind legs and plenty of close racing across all classes. And the extreme heat led to after race swimming for many!
The race committee deserves considerable credit for delivering fair and competitive courses despite the changing conditions. Accurate course setting and efficient race management ensured that every fleet enjoyed a full programme of racing throughout the week. Colne Yacht Club was ably represented by Pinocchio and Warrior, coming a respectable 7th and 5th respectively in the YTC Cruiser Group A.
The start lines were predictably noisy with Warrior (Frazzo) in full voice! At the helm was Roger Etherington providing a calming influence once the start was over. Things were quieter on Pinocchio with the steely blue eyes of Bruce Long sailing his races and growling at the light winds which did not suit our sails!
Overall, a brilliant week, well organised and fun- with LOTS of shoreside entertainment provided by West Mersea YC and Dabchicks. Highly recommend more Brightlingsea boats entering next year- it is well worth it!
Last updated 15:38 on 24 August 2026