Sprite Week 2025 at Blackwater Sailing Club
by Gay Ayton 25 Jul 09:46 BST
3-7 June 2024
It was a week to remember at Blackwater Sailing Club as this year's Sprite Week took place under lively conditions, delivering excitement, adrenaline and challenges for the sailors, officers on the bridge and spectators alike.
Held at the end of June, Sprite Week is a highlight of the club's summer calendar, drawing sailors of all ages together for a mix of very competitive racing on the water and social fun and cake in the clubhouse after.
The Sprite is a 14ft clinker built, half decked dinghy design by Robert N Stone which was launched in Brightlingsea in 1934 and has been sailed on the River Blackwater ever since.
This year's varied winds offered some excellent sailing from the stronger force 5-6 testing skills and teamwork to the slightly more moderate winds force 4 attracting 15 boats to the start line all pushing hard for prime position when the gun goes, whilst also avoiding a dredger being pushed through the line by a barge at the same time.
Club Commodore Sheena Berney remarked: "We had classic sailing weather this year with brisk breezes and plenty of action on the water and some brilliant performances from our members. It was a true celebration of what makes sailing at the Blackwater Sailing Club so enjoyable. My thanks go to everyone involved for all their hard work in making it such a great week."
Fifteen boats took part over five days to win the coveted Heron Cup.
Though not first over the line Gill Callander in Djinn (15) won the crews race trophy as she's not a regular helm nor been sailing for long. It was too windy for the single-handed race.
Marcus Gallo, Sprite Class Captain, commented: "It was the kind of week sailors hope for - steady breeze, good company and plenty of laughter on and off the water. Sprite Week continues to be one of the best parts of the season."
The Club now sets it sights on its annual Regatta Day, Cadet Week and Club Week and looks forward to welcoming both new and returning sailor to the water in the coming weeks.
For information about visiting and joining the Club, contact
or see www.blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
Overall results:
1st - 204 Troll - David Nichols & Tommy Mills
2nd - 23 Nida - Malcolm Green & Stephanie
3rd - 007 Pan - Steve & Mark Jarred