Bourne End Week is coming!

Published 09:32 on 4 May 2022

Bourne End Week, the pinnacle of Upper Thames Sailing Clubs open events, a regatta like no other. It has been part of the sailing and social calendar since 1887, a long history that has spawned a reputation for Upper Thames SC for running quality events. When sailing was a preserve of the wealthy Bourne End Week was up there with Henley, Ascot and the like. Today however it still holds its place as one of the best river racing events in the calendar. Some wag a few years ago called Upper Thames The Antique Road Show of Sailing not because of attitude but because of some of the classes of boats that sail well on this stretch of the river.

The clubhouse that dates back to the late 1800s, has in recent years been the beneficiary of much TLC. Inside and outside improvements are obvious, the most obvious being the new balcony.

The event organisers can draw on the years of experience of past members, who each year made improvements. This year it will be a four-day event over the extended bank holiday and the weekend, June 2nd to 5th.

There is nothing more majestic that sails on the Thames than a Thames A Rater, when they gather here, for their premier racing event, The Queens Cup, there will be a dozen or more of them competing, an awesome sight. Rater sailors push their craft to the limits, exciting to watch, and difficult to believe that they are so agile for their size.

Merlin Rocket sailors seem to appreciate what is on offer here, and they too include BEW in their annual programme. The event also supports Wayfarers, OKs and a handicap class.

The Sailing Programme, featuring the Thames A Rater National Championships, Merlin Rocket River Championships, International OK River Championships, class racing for Wayfarers, plus Fast Handicap. Competitors please note, entries are online and payment only and there is a deadline: 23.59 on Monday 30 May.

The Social Programme, for Bourne End Week has moved with the times from refined of the late Victorian era, to something more practical and relevant for today. The cocktail party has long been considered a must do an all you can drink and nibble, for a fixed price. The programme is as follows:-

Wednesday night, Welcome Supper
Thursday night, a meal cooked in giant pans while we watch if we wish, a vegetarian option will be available
Friday, Curry Night
Saturday, Platinum Jubilee Party; Cocktails, buffet dinner and dancing to The Rock Doctors

Quality catering every day throughout.

Please note, the bar only accepts card.