Eastern Championships 2016

​Last weekend was a triumph in the Eastern Tera Sailing world, the event had been timed perfectly for the high spring tides and the weather was beautiful with lots of sunshine.

There were 28 sailors, with more entrants in the Pro fleet than the Sports fleet, which was a first.

There were 4 races on each day, which were closely fought. Many sailors achieved personal bests, congratulations to Sam Blaker who won his first Pro race. Izzy was also very pleased to win after a magnificent start and holding her large lead all the way to the finishing line. There were quite a few new sailors who did well in their first event and for others it was their first event in tidal waters. The spring tides were challenging especially in the afternoon when it turned between races and the black flag had to come out because half the Pro fleet were being pushed over the start line.

The Sports fleet was very competitive with 7 different sailors finishing in the top 3. It was the battle for first which saw Fergus Pye and Blake Tudor both finishing on 18 points, but Fergus just pipped Blake on count back with Jack Oakley finishing third.

In the Pros, 9 different sailors finished a race in the top 3. It was Matt Taylor who won having mastered the tides more than most, finishing the event with four first places. Josh Davies was second and Ben Hutton-Penman 3rd.

The 'Under 11' cup was won by Toby, who sailed consistently throughout the event.

There was a very enjoyable celebration meal on Saturday night to thank Alex, Steve, Julie, Rob, Mark and Margaret for all their efforts in setting up and running the Eastern Teras. It had been organised as a surprise, with neither Alex or Steve being aware of what was planned. Many thanks go to Richard and Simon for organising this meal and for Richard's marvellous speech, which had us all in stitches. The club produced a delicious meal and was a fantastic venue with magnificent views for the event.

Many thanks to Simon for organising all the racing, Mike on the shore and to all the parents on the Committee Boat and the safety boats for helping it to run so smoothly. Thanks also to all the parents involved in launching and recovering the boats, with a very slick trolley crocodile!!'

The Eastern Traveler Series and Eastern Championships

The Traveler Series is open to all sailors (assuming you can sail a triangular course in the conditions presented).  Whilst recognising the achievements of those at the front of the fleet, we also operate a buddy system, pairing less experienced sailors with more experienced to encourage mentoring and development.  We've try to get a good mix of sailing in different environments (reservoir, sea and lots of Eastern tidal rivers!)

The Series is a mix of Open events, Train & Race weekends (one day of coaching & a day of racing) and the Eastern Championships.  The Train & Race weekends are very popular and a great way to develop confidence racing these exciting dinghies. Eastern coaches are on hand at all the events. 

2016 Eastern Events

7th/8th  May:                                         Eastern Championships at Royal Harwich Yacht Club
4th/5th June:                                         Brightlingsea Train & Race
11th/12th June:                                   Bough Beech Train & Race
9th/10th July :                                       Burnham Tera Open
17th/18th September:                     Aldeburgh Train & Race
8th/9th October:                                 Alton Water Train & Race

Other Eastern Sailing

We encourage Tera sailors to sail at club events and junior race weeks.   Here are some of the events that are going on in Suffolk and Essex this summer:

25th to 29th July                         Mersea Cadet Week
30th July to 6th August           Pyefleet Week
8th to 14th August                     Aldeburgh Youth Week 
22nd to 26th August                 Royal Harwich Youth Week
22nd August                                   Round the Island (Mersea) Race

There's also the Alton Water Spring and Autumn regattas and the RYA Zone Championships, so plenty to keep you busy and lots of different venues to try out.

There is racing every Sunday at Alton Water and there are regularly a number of Tera sailors there.