70th Anniversary North West Norfolk Week - Preview
by Duncan Ellis 30 May 2019 08:37 PDT
27 July - 3 August 2019
North West Norfolk Week action © Neil Foster
This year sees the 70th Anniversary of North West Norfolk Week running from the 27th July through to the 3rd August.
North West Norfolk Week started from the idea of Oliver Atkins and Lionel Wilkinson, who suggested that the coastal clubs between Brancaster and King's Lynn should pool their resources and organise a regatta that involved all the clubs in the area. In the post-war austerity of 1948/9 it was also conceived as an event which could fit in with a family holiday in a very attractive and unspoiled area of the country. This ethos still prevails at Norfolk Week - a competitive but fun family event.
The event this year kicks off at Snettisham Beach SC which is situated in the Wash offering large open sea courses. Then we head to the Ouse Amateur Sailing Club at Saddlebow on Sunday which is an inland stretch of non-tidal water at the end of the Fenland drainage system. Then from Monday through to Thursday the racing takes us along the largest coastal salt marshes in the world starting at Brancaster Staithe followed by Blakeney, Wells next the Sea and Overy Staithe racing in the natural harbours and creeks before heading back to Snettisham for the final 2 days of racing.
It is impossible to list all the aspects that give North West Norfolk Week the character that it has. Suffice it to say that it produces an event unique in the sailing calendar. It provides a great balance between sailing and holiday, short tidal windows mean there are no long postponements, so plenty of time for the family to spend on the beaches. The racing is as competitive as any but the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. The sailing is both interesting and challenging, the venue one of the most beautiful areas of the country and the company good. Be warned though - it is extremely addictive!
Daily trophies, weekly trophies, lady and junior helm prizes mean there is something for all sailors in the week. If you usually only sail at your own club why not take a chance, hitch up your boat and join one of the friendliest events in the sailing calendar.
For more information take a look at our website at www.norfolkweek.co.uk where online entry, the 2019 programme and access to our Facebook page can be found.