Dehler Regatta at Colne Yacht Club
by Alix Shepherd 8 Sep 08:44 BST
6-7 September 2025
Dehler Regatta at Colne Yacht Club © CYC
The Colne Yacht Club was proud to host the 2025 Dehler Regatta over the weekend of 6th and 7th September, welcoming a competitive fleet of 11 Dehler yachts to Brightlingsea. With boats ranging from the nimble Dehler 28 to the larger Dehler 36, and many Dehler 34s among them, the fleet raced under the YTC handicap system in a series of thrilling encounters.
Race Officer Ian Hunter set a varied programme, beginning on Saturday with an inshore course from the Club's standard course cards. In bright sunshine and a light to moderate south-southeast breeze, local boat Zinghy II (Dehler 28) made a bold port-end start, crossing the fleet cleanly. Visiting crews from the Medway quickly showed their strength, taking the lead around the course. A moment of drama came when Equinox mistakenly dropped their genoa, believing they had finished after one lap instead of two. Recovering swiftly, they managed to regain control and secure first place, followed by Zinghy II in second and Zephyros in third.
The afternoon saw Race 2 take the fleet into the open waters of the Blackwater Estuary on a challenging 14-mile course. With a freshening breeze and an ebb tide, the racing was close and fast-paced. After an early lead from Zorra, a dramatic spinnaker broach opened the door for Equinox and Zephyros to close in, separated by just one second on corrected time. In the end, consistency paid off for Zinghy II, who took the victory on corrected time.
After a lively evening of camaraderie at the Club's bar and terrace overlooking Brightlingsea Harbour, Sunday dawned with stronger winds, reaching 25 knots. With reefs in their mainsails, the fleet set off once again into the estuary. Zorra led to the first mark, pursued closely by Equinox and Zephyros, while Falcon, Radiance, and Flyer battled tightly throughout the course. Banzai was the only yacht daring enough to hoist a spinnaker in the challenging conditions—a gamble that paid off on one leg, less so on another. On corrected time, Zinghy II once again took the win, securing overall victory for the event, with Equinox finishing second and Zephyros third.
Spectators and competitors alike agreed that the sight of so many Dehler yachts racing so closely together was a remarkable spectacle, and enthusiasm was unanimous that the Dehler Regatta should become a regular date on the Colne Yacht Club's annual calendar.
CYC would like to extend thanks to our sponsors, One Sails and Fox's Chandlery for their generous sponsorship of the prizes. Support from local companies makes these events happen. Huge thanks also to the volunteer organisers, race crews and officials who give up their time and expertise for the enjoyment of all!