The English Raid - coming your way!

ExMemberBobdog · July 23, 2013

I wonder how many people on here have heard of "The English Raid"? It's an event that has taken place annually for the past three years (and is based on longer standing events in France and elsewhere).

A group of owners of small sailing boats (most of them capable of being rowed as well as sailed) gather together to sail in company over a period of 4 days or so, sometimes with a series of small challenges along the way (treasure hunts, races by sail and oar etc), with a pre-planned course to follow, and gathering in the evening for a shared meal, drinks, and the inevitable banter about the day's events and (no doubt) occasional calamities.

The first two English Raids (2010 and 2011) were sailed in the Solent, the first based largely in the west Solent, the second in the east, but visiting places like Portsmouth, Lymington, Chichester and the Isle of Wight. In 2012 the Raid moved to the River Orwell in Suffolk, visiting Shotley, Pin Mill, Levington etc.

In 2013 a different kind of challenge has been set for the Raiders ... the northern Broads.

During the week commencing 5th August 2013 a flotilla of about 18 small boats (ranging from a 3.6 metre Trouper to an 8.5 metre New Bedford Whaleboat) will be making their way from Barton Turf to Womack (day 1), Womack to Hickling (day 2) Hickling back to Womack (day 3) and Womack to Wroxham (day 4). The boats are an eclectic mix, but the vast majority of them are of traditional design, gaff, gunter or lug rigged. The oldest was built in 1908, the newest in 2013, and many of them were self-built by their owners. Most of the Raiders are strangers to the Broads (there are about 4 local boats taking part) including visitors from the Netherlands.

Look out for us (I'm one of the local participants) and give us a wave ... and please be tolerant of our visitors for whom sailing on our narrow waterways (especially the Ant) is likely to be a new experience and challenge.