Burnham Week 2019: The highlight of the River Crouch sailing calendar
by Sally Harbott 7 Apr 2019 09:33 BST
24-31 August 2019
Burnham Week racing action © Alan Hanna
With the new season under way here on the River Crouch, thoughts are turning to Burnham Week, the highlight of our sailing calendar.
Always the last weekend in August, making full use of the Bank Holiday, the recent changes to the format have meant exciting short series, daily trophies, as well as trophies across the week for best performance.
With racing for local handicap cruisers and day boat one designs, as well as dinghies, there is something to suit everyone. Visiting competitors are always made to feel extremely welcome both on and off the water. All details are on the website www.burnhamweek.com.
The first weekend is a great chance to get the whole family involved, as on Bank Holiday Monday, Quay Day runs with stalls and entertainments, traditional afternoon tea, with gig racing in front of the stunning Georgian waterfront. The sailing is always a spectacle with fleets of over 20 in some of the day boat classes, and also the chance to see the club one designs, traditionally built in wood and still racing competitively after nearly 90 years.
This year, Burnham Week has teamed up with the local secondary school, the Ormiston Rivers Academy, and the first collaboration is the chance for students to design this year's polo shirt. The winner is to be chosen by public vote. To get involved go to burnhamweek.com/2019-polo-shirt and vote for your favourite design, but be quick, voting closes on the 19th April. Tweet us when you have done it @burnham_week #favepoloshirt.