After years of meticulous planning, countless meetings, obtaining quotes, and navigating the maze of planning permissions, including permission from the Marine Management Organisation the long-awaited pontoon project is finally becoming a reality.
The Pontoon Committee, formed to bring this ambitious upgrade to life, is now seeing the fruits of its hard work and perseverance. What began as an idea years ago has steadily taken shape through determination, diligence, and community support.
This past week saw the 18m pontoon extension constructed of floating modules, finally floated into place and located by 3 new piles. The project included a replacement of the existing 16-year-old pontoon that had badly deteriorated.
The extension will improve access for dinghies, cruisers, cadets, and all members of the club, making it safer and more efficient for everyone to get on the water. After years of planning, it’s more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a celebration of what can be accomplished when a community pulls together.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone involved, who helped steer this project forward and to the fantastic volunteers who showed up for the many work parties to help make it happen.
Photos by Steve Sharpe, Zoe Nelson and Sharon Moore
We hosted another successful Open Day on 17 May at our stunning location at Heybridge Basin. The event welcomed over 180 visitors of all ages, offering them a relaxed and friendly introduction to the joys of dinghy sailing at the family-friendly Club.
With gorgeous sunshine and a light breeze, the conditions were perfect for newcomers to experience life on the water. They had the opportunity to enjoy free taster sessions sailing in a variety of dinghies on the Club’s large freshwater training lake as well as a trip out on the River Blackwater in power boats– all under the guidance of experienced members and RYA-qualified instructors.
Onshore, families enjoyed demonstrations, one-to-one chats with the Club’s officials and other members, guided tours of the Club’s outstanding facilities and clubhouse as well as enjoying refreshments and homemade cakes overlooking the river – cakes and sailing are always a good combination!
“We were thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm, said Joe Bird, Rear Commodore of The Blackwater Sailing Club. “it’s always inspiring to see so many people, young and old, taking to the water for the first time and discovering what makes our sport so rewarding. We’re pleased to welcome new members and help them develop their confidence and skills on the water.”
Many of the visitors expressed interest in joining the Club with a number of new memberships and training courses signed up on the day. Kevin, one of the visitors exclaimed: “It was a super Saturday event and the Club could not have been shown in a better light nor have been more welcoming, thank you!”
The Club offers a wide range of sailing opportunities all year round. The Sailing School which is RYA-affiliated, covers dingy sailing, powerboat tuition and first aid training for adults and children and as an RYA British Training Club, it helps develop the champions of the future.
If you are interested in joining but missed our Open Day - fear not! Click through to our membership section here; or, contact our membership secretary membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
The Blackwater Sailing Club proudly hosted a highly successful Snipe Open Weekend on 10-11 May welcoming sailors from across the country for two days of outstanding competitive racing and warm camaraderie.
With steady force 3-4 winds and glorious sunshine throughout the weekend the sailors – seasoned racers and enthusiastic newcomers alike, were treated to some of the best racing conditions on the River Blackwater.
Over six races, competitors navigated courses that showcased both their seamanship and sportsmanship. It was tight competition throughout with boats converging on the marks just seconds apart. One team however, Matthew Wolstenholme and his crew Sam Boniface on Saturday and Ian Gregory, Sunday were dominant, their skillful performance and tactical consistency was a masterclass in Snipe sailing resulting in a clean sweep and overall winner.
The success of the weekend was made possible by the tireless efforts of voluntary Club members, including the organisers of the event Richard and Debbie Marshall and race officer Andy Pickering who brought his wealth of experience to the water, setting the courses and running the racing with efficiency and flair ably supported by Claire Hall and Florence his 11year-old daughter.
With the stunning backdrop of Osea Island and the club’s fantastic facilities, the weekend drew high praise from the competitors, many of whom commented on the excellent organisation, the warm friendly welcome and one of the most picturesque stretches of water to sail on.
Overall Results
1st Matthew Wolstenholme and crews Sam Boniface and Ian Gregory
2nd Richard and Debbie Marshall (BSC members)
3rd Joe and Mike Warwicker
70 enthusiastic cadets set off for an exciting adventure, where sunshine, sailing, and ice cream came together to round off a successful cadet training weekend.
On Saturday, the children were grouped by ability and experience, working towards their RYA sailing certifications in the fun, supportive, and safe environment of our family-friendly club. Then on Sunday, blessed with bright sunshine and gentle wind, all the cadets - a mix of beginners and more experienced junior sailors - enjoyed a fantastic sailing trip to the Maldon Promenade.
Among the group were eight-year-old newcomers who had never stepped into a boat before, sailing alongside confident young sailors refining their skills. The Mirror and Sprite classes offered their support through our newly introduced Cadet Crewing Group, where complete newbie Cadets or non racers could experience social sailing on the river with their Cadet friends building confidence and skills from the more seasoned sailors and qualified Dinghy Instructors in the club.
Safety remained a top priority, with 10 safety RIBs on the water and 20 experienced instructors providing expert guidance and encouragement throughout the weekend. Parents involved as helpers were at the Prom to catch and assist the landing on the beach. They were also rewarded with a delicious Rossi ice cream.
The trip was a brilliant conclusion to an inspiring weekend, highlighting the amazing opportunities our sailing club offers to young sailors of all abilities.
Photos © Chris Keeble, Ronan Fenton, Belinda Hunt
The Club is proud to announce that three of its members have been honoured in the East Anglian Maritime Awards scheme (EAMA); Jess Haigh and Lucy Shelter in the Proficiency category and Steve Jarred awarded the Young at Heart.
This scheme is a unique opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of young people who participate in maritime activities emphasising voluntary and local community participation. The awards are given in four categories - conservation, proficiency, resilience, and water safety.
Working together on the BSC Cadet Committee 2023/24, Jess Haigh (18) Commodore and Lucy Shelter (18) Secretary, encouraged young trainee cadets, coached competitive teenagers as well as taught adult beginner sailors to realise their potential and really enjoy time on the water. As both are also accomplished RYA Race Coaches and RYA Dinghy Instructors, their expertise and energy is contagious and their ability to remain calm whilst teaching under 10s, stroppy and overconfident teenagers or adults developing self-confidence and balance is inspiring; skills that will stand them in good stead for their future.
This impressive duo also race dinghies competitively exceling at Feva XL Nationals, the 420 Nationals and in 2023 climbing the national rankings up to #23, reaching their peak representing GBR at the 2023 420 Worlds in Alicante.
Steve Jarred was made a lifetime Honorary Cadet by the BSC cadets in 2024 in appreciation of his longstanding support, coaching, sailing proficiency and race technique. A competitive and accomplished sailor himself for over 55 years, Steve continues to pass on his love of sailing and top tips for racing success in the changeable and challenging tidal conditions of the River Blackwater. As RYA Dinghy Instructor and Race Coach he has responsibility for coaching budding racers in single-handed boats and when BSC Sailing School Principal spent many hours fixing boats for trainees to use.
Sheena Berney, Commodore said: “Many congratulations all. Jess and Lucy, this award is a great testament to your boundless enthusiasm, passion and unwavering commitment - Steve, a consistent presence and inspiration on and off the water to so many cadets over the years – Young at Heart is a wonderfully fitting tribute, we thank you.”
Gay Ayton Publicity Officer
Some of you may have seen this article about our new Commodore in the press. It has so far been published in: Maldon & Burnham Standard, Maldon Life, Yachts & Yachting, Sail World.
"The Blackwater Sailing Club is proud to announce the appointment of Sheena Berney as the new Commodore, making her only the third woman to hold this prestigious position in the Club’s 125-year history. Sheena has been an active member of the Club for over 40 years demonstrating exceptional leadership and a passion for sailing. She has served in a number of roles and on multiple committees including Membership Secretary welcoming over 100 new members each year as well as organising the Club’s annual Open Day. As a Flag Officer on a six-year pathway, firstly as Rear, then Vice and now Commodore, she is not only well qualified in all the many aspects of running this Club of over 1,000 members, including design and organisation of the significant rebuild but also shows immense dedication, time and energy. Sheena has extensive experience on the water too; as an enthusiastic fleet captain of the Sprite dinghy class she was instrumental in keeping this historic class active. For the National 18 class she helped run their national championships and as an experienced Race Officer runs club racing and open meetings. Sheena is also an experienced big boat sailor competing in offshore racing as well as cruising and a trans-Atlantic crossing. Sheena is a recipient of one of the Royal Yachting Associations’ (RYA) most prestigious volunteer awards The Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of her commitment to sailing at The Blackwater Sailing Club. In her new role, Sheena aims to promote accessibility in sailing, further encourage a thriving cadet section and nurture the welcoming environment for all members. “I am honoured to take on this role”, said Sheena “which I’m so pleased to say is still largely run by wonderful volunteers. Celebrating our 125th anniversary has been a profound time to reflect on our rich history and I’m looking forward to working with the members and embracing new opportunities as we continue to showcase this special family friendly Club for our future sailors.”
The Dyer Cup – The Blackwater Sailing Club’s end of season trophy race.
The Blackwater Sailing Club’s last race of the sailing season, the Dyer Cup was held on Sunday 3rd November having been postponed from 20th October due to Storm Ashley’s terrible weather and force 7 winds.
In a pleasant contrast, the gentle force 2-3 easterly winds encouraged 24 boats to turn out for this annual race that is open to all the Club’s boats. With 16 different classes there was some wonderful competitive racing in the light airs and strong tide off Osea Island. The course took the fleet from the club line downriver on a beat to Doctor, then reaching and running back up the river through the Doubles to Hilly Pool and with a shortened course direct to the finish line at the Club.
With all the different handicaps, the results were close. Brett Townsend, sailing his Solo was the winner and then only 45 seconds separated the next six boats on corrected time.
The Club always runs two charity events during the Dyer Cup and did so this year on the original date in October. Despite the fact there was no racing, members who donated cakes and came along to support raised a fantastic £545.00 for Macmillan Cancer and £622.95 for the RNLI, both of whom expressed their gratitude to the Club and members for their generosity.
The Dyer cup was presented to the Club by the Dyer family in the 1950s and is awarded to the winner of this unique race.
The prize winners for 2024 were:
Dyer Cup
1st Brett Townsend, Solo
2nd Osea Evans & David Evans, Wayfarer
3rd Martin Scarth & Angela Docherty, Sprite
Dyer Cup – Slow Handicap Trophy
Richard Evans & Poppy Evans, Mirror
Dyer Cup – Copsey Cup
Breezy, John Dyer, Joe Leary, Sarah Cooper & James Tovey
If you would like to visit the club with a view to joining then please contact our membership secretary, email membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk.
For more details see blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
150 Cadets Take to the Water
Blackwater Sailing Club Cadet Week
The Blackwater Sailing Club’s Cadet Week which took place from 3-8 August is an annual six-day extravaganza of racing, RYA training and onshore fun and games. This year was no exception with 150 cadets enjoying a packed timetable of onshore activities in the morning followed by the hotly contested racing for trophies on the river and then the evenings’ entertainment.
This week gives cadets, aged from 8 to 18 and of all sailing abilities, the opportunity to have fun and enjoy being on the water whilst building confidence, friendships and sailing skills. Under the supervision of the highly experienced and well qualified instructor team, they attain their different RYA levels as well as learning to race.
Typical British weather presented daily challenges to the sailors from glorious sunshine with little or no wind when beating the tide became the focus to the strong gusting force 6 winds and rain by the end of the week. The skilful safety boat teams were kept busy.
Jess Haigh, the Cadet Commodore said: “We had an amazing week. With six fleets and 11 races there was some fantastic competitive racing on the river including our plucky young cadets in their oppies and toppers.
Our Cadet Committee laid on an exciting programme of events for everyone - with team building games on land and the training lake, ice-cream relays on the river, the tractor pull which was won by the adults although they were subsequently disqualified for cheating! Also fancy dress competition and film and curry night – an exhausting time was had by all, it is huge fun though and really one of the best weeks!”
Sheena Berney, Vice Commodore, said: “Organising our cadet week is a mammoth task and it’s all thanks to the army of volunteers, some 130 people who give up their time to make it happen so smoothly. We are hugely grateful. I’d like to particularly thank Rob Carver our Cadet Skipper as he steps down after his final cadet year at the helm – his energy and hard work has been inspirational.”
At the prizegiving the worthy winners across all the fleets were:
Optimists: 1st Daniel Hall, 2nd Isabelle Miller, 3rd Evie Truman
Toppers: 1st Austin Edwards, 2nd Thomas Doggett, 3rd Natasha Adkins
RS Feva: 1st Flo Evans & Katherine Carver, 2nd Hattie Garlick & Hector Johnson, 3rd Alice Ruston & Isabelle Foy
Lasers full/radial: 1st Hugh Andrews, 2nd Dominic Carver, 3rd Osea Evans
Lasers 4.7: 1st Jess Welch, 2nd Stanley Johnson, 3rd Mara Thomas
General handicap: 1st Jess Haigh & Lucy Shelter, 2nd Sam Glover & Charlie Bourne, 3rd Hermione Cook & Bella Elderton
Pink Flag Tankard: Best results in a handicap fleet not winning the first prize - Dominic Carver
Evans Endeavour Goblet: Oliver Keeble for his perseverance
Challenge Trophy: Best points for the week - Hugh Andrews
Blue Flag Tankard: Girl’s best points for the week - Jess Haigh and Lucy Shelter
Heron Spoon: Most Resolute Cadet - Natasha Adkins
Best Crew Medal: Katherine Carver
Cock of the Cadets: 1st Hugh Andrews, 2nd Jess Haigh, 3rd Dominic Carver
285 Members, 92 Boats, 13 Commodores, 7 families of 4 generations & 2 of 5 generations
The Blackwater Sailing Club was delighted to host a special regatta as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations on Saturday 20th July.
Setting Sail for the Regatta (photo: Zoe Nelson)
On one of this summer’s first glorious days, the Club welcomed over 285 members and their guests and 12 ex-commodores, the earliest, Chris Collins having held the post from 1980 – 1982 and Gill Pain one of only two lady commodores in the Club’s history travelling down from Edinburgh to attend.
The regatta featured 92 boats taking part in a series of class races including fast and medium handicap, lasers, mirrors, fireballs, cruisers and sprites, the Club’s own classic racing fleet.
(photo: Zoe Nelson)
Onshore events included the popular crabbing event with 140 crabs caught in total, the entertaining greasy pole as well as swimming and cork races. Tea and delicious homemade cakes by members were also part of this traditional day with £554 being raised for the RNLI.
The Club founded by 12 local men has grown into one of the biggest on the estuary with a membership of around 1,100. It is still very much a well-loved family club run by its members to the extent that at the prize giving cadets of families that are now in their fourth and even fifth generation of membership were given certificates celebrating these long-serving families.
The 125th anniversary has created a wonderful opportunity for members’ reflections to be documented and included in the already excellent historical records of the Club. These date back to its beginning and provides a great insight into both the social history of the club and local area generally.
As part of the regatta celebrations, all the club's past commodores were invited to the day. This was a great opportunity to get a photograph. These are the commodores who were able to attend, see how many you recognise.
Chris Collins, Gill Pain, David Goldsmith, John Bolingbroke, Anthony Sinclair, Michael Ferrier, Bryan Southgate, Mike Foster, Tricia Parker, Chris Nichols, Richard Pusey , Steve Jarred, Alan Hoy
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