Exe Sails and Covers Starcross Steamer 2023 - Preview
by Ben Cutler-Sharp 24 Nov 06:38 GMT
29 January 2023
Starcross Steamer 2022 © Heather Davies
The 32nd annual Starcross Steamer sponsored by Exe Sails & Covers, will be held on Sunday 29th January 2023. Up to 80 monohulls are able to enter in the classic pursuit race format, with boats starting in slowest to fastest order and all finishing together this is a race not to miss. The 31st edition saw 68 boats on the water in glorious sunshine and stellar conditions.
Starcross Yacht club situated on the Exe estuary celebrated its 250th birthday in 2022 and enjoys an active and competitive club racing. Usually joined by boats from all over the south west and indeed the country this event is indeed popular and with a beautiful sheltered venue providing stellar sailing conditions, its not hard to see why.
The first start will be at 10:30, with a 150 minute race, sailing through high water at 11:53 (height 3.2m). You can be sure of a warm welcome at the club, food and drink will be available from 08:00, so why not bring the family. The club will be open from 6:30, with the competitor briefing at 09:30.
The entries to the Steamer can only be made via the website, and this will open early January. The Sailing Instructions, Notice of Race, Handicap Numbers and Consent Forms are also available on the club website; you will also be able to check who else has entered.
www.starcrossyc.org.uk/open-events
Due to the popularity of the event we are limiting the number of entries to 80; the website will automatically advise you if you are placed on the waiting list. Should you enter and subsequently find that you are unable to attend we would appreciate you letting us know so that your entry can be given to the next person on the waiting list. The website will not accept entries after midnight on the 26th of January, so please get your entry in as soon as possible.
Each classes exact start time will be calculated on the day, (using the Great Lakes Handicap system), when we know the handicap of the slowest boat, from experience this will probably be Laser 4.7.
We are very aware of the dangers of spreading Invasive Aquatic Species. Please could you check your equipment and clothing for live organisms, clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly and dry all equipment and clothing - some species can live for many days in moist conditions.
As the club is in a remote location, the entrance gate is kept locked, however should you wish to drop your boat off at the club on the day before the event or even camp at the club overnight (bearing in mind the main London Plymouth railway line runs past the club), please respond to this email so I can arrange access. Also please note the entrance to the club is through a low bridge, so vehicles over about 1.55m such as 4x4s and people carriers will have to be parked outside in the lay-by (there is plenty of room).
We do hope you can come along in January; we look forward to seeing you.