Colne Barge Match

Traditionally the closing race of the season, the Colne Barge Match always provides a great spectacle as smacks and barges compete for the honours.

The day begins early from the town of Brightlingsea, with a trip in the barge boat to the barge at anchor in Pyefleet Creek.

The smacks are first away, with the barge crews enjoying the best view of the crowded start. The barges follow shortly after, with the course usually taking the craft to Clacton, out to the Spitways and then back up the Colne to finish off Mersea Stone.

The prizegiving is then held in the Brightlingsea Sailing Club in the evening, where the crews will enjoy one final knees up before the barges return to their home ports for the long winter.