Pin Mill Barge Match

Based on the beautiful River Orwell, the Pin Mill Barge Match is one of the highlights in any bargeman’s calendar.

Arthur Ransome, the author of Swallows and Amazons, loved these waters and it is easy to see why, with the woodland coming down to the waters edge and only stately homes and farmland in between.

It is also home to the famous Butt and Oyster pub, a waterside inn that is a site of pilgrimage for yachtsmen on both sides of the North Sea.

The barges start in the confined waters of the upriver moorings, before heading out into Harwich Harbour where they are overshadowed by the cargo carrying leviathans of the Port of Felixstowe. From there, the course may go up the River Stour or out to Walton on the Naze before returning.

The finish is off Pin Mill and the prizegiving is held in the Pin Mill Sailing Club, where there is always a smashing spread of food laid on.

Collection on the morning of the Pin Mill Barge Match will be from either the Butt and Oyster pub or Woolverstone Marina – details will be advised upon booking.

If you would like to join a barge for the race, please sign up to the ‘Mate’ or ‘Skipper’ tier on Patreon and then book via the online shop, or contact us for more information.

If the race is shown as sold out on our booking tool, please do contact us as we may be able to source places on other competing barges.