Chairmans thoughts for 2026

35 Starters over three days and 30 hours of racing in light conditions tested the EAORA fleet during our first early season three-day regatta, we ran a series of races over the bank holiday weekend, as previously we have struggled to get support and entries have been in single figures, so this new format for 2026 is very encouraging for the future of EAORA. The Regatta proved a great success with lovely silverware won with so much EAORA history, most yachts were out on the water for a full day for three days, one owner was delighted with these races and after competing in Saturdays race which was over twelve hours, he was heard saying “What a great way to learn about my boat, it would have been many two hour Sunday mornings races to match what I have learned today” It was EAORA’s first event using the new racing software nautical cloud, which proved very popular amongst competitors.

The next event is the RORC’s North Sea Race (Harwich to Scheveningen on Friday May 15).

YTC entrants will also be welcome to join in EAORA’s renowned Southern Holland Race Week to race alongside IRC boats (Monday June 22 to Friday June 26) – we will be racing in sheltered inland waters, visiting favourite Dutch ports and with a great social programme, an event not to be missed. IRC entrants can start their week with the RORC East Coast Race (Harwich to Breskens on Saturday June 20).

On the 19th July with the Round the Goodwins Race at the start of Ramsgate week. Then, on the 15th August we race with Harwich Combined Clubs for the HMS Halcyon Cup from Harwich to Lowestoft, and then the Houghton Cup during Burnham Week on the 5th September before the traditional season’s finale race, The Buckley Goblets West Mersea to Ostend Friday September 18.

At EAORA we know that the South Coast has seen an increase in competitors, especially double handed. Our Coastal & Offshore series really works well for those wishing to reduce crew and cover some distance at sea.  

Our Prize giving and AGM will be on the 31st October 2026 at the Colne Yacht Club.

I look forward to seeing you all out on the water.

 

Paul Wood

Chairman

East Anglian Offshore Racing Association