The John Broughton European Snipe Cup is going home!
by Sue Roberts 6 May 2024 10:51 BST
15-18 August 2024
Snipe racing © Erwin Van Iseghem
One of the founders of the European Snipe Cup was John Broughton. He was SCIRA European Secretary during the 1970's and early 80's and was a life-long member of Stone Sailing Club. The European Cup began in 1977 and is held on alternate years to the European Championships.
In 2015, after the original trophy went missing, the new trophy was named after John. The event has not been sailed on UK waters since 1993. This August (15th - 18th) the event will take place for the first time at Stone Sailing Club on the river Blackwater in Essex.
Stone SC is the perfect venue. You can launch at any state of tide and there is a great open stretch of water in the estuary for racing. It has excellent facilities with large changing rooms, fab showers, upstairs clubhouse overlooking the Blackwater, two large bars, onsite canteen, and space for a large marquee. Camping and campervans can be on-site - for free! Steeple Bay Holiday Park takes bookings Mon-Mon, great accommodation for a sailing event over a weekend and is 8 mins drive from the club. There are no hotels within walking distance, however, Burnham-on-Crouch is 20 mins away.
With the Snipe Class motto being "Serious sailing, serious fun" our title sponsor Marlin Spike Rum, along with Stone Sailing Club, will not disappoint!
Nine races are scheduled over 4 days. GPS trackers, provided by SailRacer, will allow racing to be watched live from around the World! Already confirmed are sailors from Finland, Norway, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Japan and Brazil with UK sailors from as far as Orkney! In January the UK sent three junior teams to Miami for the Junior Worlds - two teams had never sailed Snipes before. It is great as all three helms have already entered! The event is limited to 75 boats to ensure everyone has a great time both on and off the water. Ben Harden from Allen Brothers (one of our main sponsors) will be stepping in a Snipe to compete and running a post-race workshop.
Superspars are generously donating a mast for the winner, PL sails can be won by lottery, local companies Maldon Salt, Tiptree preserves and Ramsey End Brewery are providing goodies and beer! Antonelli & Carpigiani are creating an Italian desert.
Socially, there will be a Marlin Spike Rum welcome cocktail party, games evening, Commodore's cheese & wine reception, dancing until late, "Dress to Impress" Saturday evening meal followed by "Monkees Wedding" playing live. An event not to be missed!
SailRacer will issue a link nearer the time so you can follow all the action as it takes place!