Two weeks until the East Coast Piers Race sponsored By Zhik

2013 East Coast Piers Race © Andrew Dowley

49er in action during the East Coast Piers Race © Christina Hutt

Just two weeks to go now until this years East Coast Piers Race weekend at Marconi Sailing Club on the 5th and 6th July.

Open to fast dinghies and catamarans, the East Coast Piers Race has been running since 1987 raising money for charity every year.

FREE camping is available all weekend within our huge grassy boat park. As an added bonus, one of the event sponsors are Adnams, the more beer you drink, the more we make for charity.

There will be inshore racing on the Saturday and then the long distance races on the Sunday. There are two course options on Sunday, the East Coast Piers Race (48 miles) and The Colne Point Race (27 miles) which is available to the slower catamarans and fast dinghies.

Although long distances, the courses are marked with cruiser "mother ships" flying orange flags, and it's easy to follow for first timers. It is a challenge, but a manageable one.

You sail from the start off Osea Pier, down the Blackwater Estuary to Bradwell, across the Estuary to Colne Point, and then along the coast passing Clacton Pier and turning at Walton Pier. The shorter course turns at Colne Point.

Come and join us for a great weekend of racing and social all in aid of The Cirdan Trust and Essex Air Ambulance.

Thanks to our sponsors Zhik, Adnams, AM Safety Specialists, Dinghy Rope, Funky Monkey Boat Names, GP Sails and Brentwood Communications for their support.

Please note:

To compete in the East Coast Piers Race and Colne Point race on the Sunday, at least one crew member must be over the age of 18. Under-16s are not permitted. Single handed sailors must be over 18 years of age.

Due to this being a long distance endurance event the following safety equipment must also be present on the boat on the Sunday:

• One Buoyancy Aid/Life Jacket per crew member
• 10m tow line per boat
• One flare per crew member
• One paddle per boat
• One compass per boat

For more information visit www.eastcoastpiersrace.com, email or visit www.facebook.com/eastcoastpiersrace