North West Norfolk Week Returns for 2026 After "Final Year" Finish
by Alex Gore 2 Dec 2025 07:46 PST
8-15 August 2026
North West Norfolk Week - N12 fleet at Blakeney © Neil Foster /
www.neilfosterphotography.com
After what was meant to be its final outing in 2025, North West Norfolk Week is back for a 76th edition—thanks to the enthusiasm of the competitors.
The North West Norfolk Sailing Association has now confirmed the dates for the 2026 Week as 8-15 August, giving everyone plenty of time to plan another great week of summer of racing along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
A Week That Offers a Bit of Everything
For anyone who hasn't done it before, North West Norfolk Week is unlike most regattas. Rather than settling in at one club for the whole week, the event takes you on a mini-tour of the North Norfolk coastline, racing at Snettisham, Ouse Amateur SC (Saddlebow), Wells, Blakeney, Burnham Overy Staithe and Brancaster Staithe.
That means you get a real mix of conditions—open sea, tidal harbours, and inland water—all within the same week. No two days feel the same, and everyone gets a chance to sail somewhere that suits them. North West Norfolk itself is just a stunning place to sail: big skies, wide beaches, long tidal horizons and saltmarsh make it one of the most scenic parts of the UK.
A Week With History (and a Surprise Return)
Established in 1949, 2025 was supposed to be the 75th anniversary and the last. That was the plan, at least. But the feedback from sailors was clear: people didn't want the tradition to end. Enough competitors asked for another go that the Association decided to bring it back for 2026.
There's also a quiet hope that if numbers continue to grow, North West Norfolk Week might not be finished after all. A strong turnout in 2026 could help secure its future for years to come.
Racing for N12s, Allcomers and Any Class With Momentum
As usual, the National 12s are a big part of the Week, alongside the Allcomer fleet. One of the nice traditions is that any class that musters more than five boats to enter the week gets its own start, which often encourages groups of sailors to rally friends and bring a few extras.
2025 saw a whole host of classes, fast and slow, take part in the week. Classes included N12, Streaker, ILCA, RS200, 2000, OK, Albacore, Miracle, Supernova, Solo and more.
More Than Just the Sailing
One of the real strengths of North West Norfolk Week is how inclusive it feels. Whatever you sail and whatever your level, you're made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive. It's a friendly, easy-going week where people look out for each other and enjoy the mix of boats and personalities. A mid-week social is also being planned, giving everyone a chance to catch up, unwind, and share stories from the first few days on the water.
Snettisham SC offer camping in their grounds, and "Nina's Field" is available at an incredible £5-per-night, perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of the week without spending a fortune on accommodation.
A Family-Friendly Week
North West Norfolk Week has always been a real family event, and it works just as well for non-sailors as it does for those competing. With racing often scheduled early in the morning or later in the afternoon, families have plenty of time during the day to explore the area together. North Norfolk is packed with attractions: Holkham Hall and its vast beach, the colourful harbour at Wells-next-the-Sea, the coastal paths around Brancaster, seal trips out of Blakeney, the grand estate at Sandringham, and seaside favourites like Hunstanton. There's more than enough to keep everyone entertained throughout the week.
Looking Toward August
With the dates now locked in and excitement already building, the 76th North West Norfolk Week feels like a bonus chapter nobody expected—but everyone seems pleased to have it back. If the fleet continues to grow, this "extra year" might just mark the beginning of a new phase for this much-loved event.
Nicholas Welbourn, winner of the 2025 Allcomer fleet in his ILCA 7, said:
"Thanks for an amazing week, it's been the best week on the water I've had in years. I wouldn't hesitate to come back next year, I only wish I'd started coming sooner. I think it [the week] really is something very special."
His words capture perfectly the spirit of the Week—friendly, welcoming, and full of great racing, scenery, and camaraderie.
Anyone who is interested in taking part in North West Norfolk next year can contact the association for further details: