Bourne End Week 2015: River racing at its best!
by Debbie Kite 4 May 2015 22:48 BST
23-27 May 2015
Racing at Bourne End Week 2014 © Debbie Kite
Bourne End Week regatta at Upper Thames Sailing Club is taking place from Saturday 23rd May to Wednesday 27th May, and the deadline for discounted online entry is 14th May. The link to enter online is here or via the UTSC website along with the Notice of Race and more information. Regular visitors will know that the racing can be varied and challenging on the wide and long reach of the river Thames at Bourne End.
Solos and National 12s are new additions to the class racing this year, alongside Wayfarers, OKs, Merlin Rockets and RS Fevas. A particularly good turnout of Merlins is expected for the River Championships. There will be fast and slow handicap starts so all classes of boats are included and the club welcomes other classes so whole families can take part. Bourne End Week is also the venue for the historic Thames A Raters National Championships, culminating in the Queen's Cup Race on Wednesday, racing for the cup presented by Queen Victoria in 1893.
This year the regatta is pleased to receive sponsorship from Aberdeen Asset Management, Squire Furneaux Volvo Maidenhead, Creation Covers, Virtual Rigger Chandlers and Andrew Milsom.
All sailors, young and old, experienced and novices, are invited to join us to enjoy the competition, and meet new friends and renew old acquaintances at this established event. The beautiful setting of the clubhouse and lawn directly on the river make racing from here very easy. There are two short slips with winches for quick access to the water. A full gallery of photos from previous events is on the club website showing all the action and the great atmosphere.
Camping is available just behind the clubhouse, and catering is provided throughout the week. The social programme starts with Friday's welcome supper, followed by a Saturday evening hog roast which is included in the entry price, plus the renowned Sunday cocktail party in the riverside marquee.
The club is in a lovely setting with the Thames Path running through the grounds, and is only a few minutes' walk from all the facilities in the village of Bourne End. Further afield it's just a couple of miles upstream along the path to the busy town of Marlow, and there are many local places of interest for non-sailors.
For the full Notice of Race and online entry link please go to the BEW website, bew.utsc.org.uk