Two local sailing clubs have pledged their support for the Clacton Sea and Beach Festival this summer by putting on events.

Both Gunfleet Sailing Club and Clacton Sailing Club have announced races to coincide with the two days of the festival on June 25 and 26.

On the Saturday dinghies from the Gunfleet Sailing Club, based a mile to the east of Clacton Pier, will sail part West Beach with the aim of landing ashore just west of Martello Bay.

Then the next day there will be a pursuit race, starting from the Gunfleet Club along to West Beach where a triangular course will be set.

The slowest craft will be heading off at 11am with the rest following at staggered times – with the fastest last away. The winner will be the boat in the lead at the finish at 12.30pm.

Also on Sunday at 3pm the Clacton Sailing Club will be holding a catamaran race, beginning at its HQ two miles east of Clacton Pier, up to the West Beach and back.

Nick Turner, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Coastal Protection and Seafronts, said it promises to be a spectacular weekend on the water.

“It is great news that these two sailing clubs are taking part in the festival and I am sure their members will enjoy it along with all the crowds on the beach,” he said.

“We also have top kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding championships lined-up and there should be something for everyone. It will be a spectacular two days.”

One of the series of the British Kitesurfing Championships will be taking place off the coast with more than 100 competitors expected to be challenging for the honours.

The sea and beach festival – which is organised by TDC – is also hosting national and international windsurfers

The British Slalom Association, which is part of the UK Windsurfing Association, is to stage race four of the National Slalom Series in Clacton on June 25 and 26.

A Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding event is also being put on by the British SUP Association. Again the racing will take place over both days of the festival and will attract the top competitors in the country.

Mick Skeels, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Events, said he is confident the festival will provide a boost for the local economy and bring in many extra visitors.

“This is the second year and we hope that we can top the 50,000 that turned out on the first day last summer,” he added.

The area of beach being used for the 2016 festival will be extended to run from Clacton Pier up to and including Martello Beach.

Talks are on-going to bring back the Viking Saga and James Stevens to run boat trips which proved extremely popular last year. An increased programme of musical entertainment is being put together, along with children’s entertainment, and a Saturday night beach party.

Anyone interested in finding out more or wanting to take part in the festival should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

18/4/16

NEWSDESKS

For further information on this press release contact Nigel Brown, Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager on 01255 686338.