Mersea Week 2026 - Preview
by Chrissie Westgate 7 Feb 03:16 PST
8-14 August 2026
CK318 'Alberta' the top-rated Smack - Mersea Week © Chrissie Westgate
Mersea Week 2026 promises another uplifting celebration of sailing, community, and island spirit. Our Race Team, a group of dedicated and committed volunteers, continues to be supported by the unparalleled generosity of West Mersea Yacht Club and the Dabchicks Sailing Club. Their welcoming waterfront venues provide the perfect backdrop for both our racing and our social gatherings.
Last year, more than 150 boats of every description took to the estuary, varnished wood beside carbon rigs, seasoned hands alongside first-time helms. It was an overwhelming reminder that Mersea Week belongs to everyone. This year, we look forward to fair winds and safe sailing, with courses shaped to suit the weather and the wide range of experience on the water.
Mersea Week 2026 begins on Saturday, 8th August, with an evening reception and welcome party for all competitors.
Racing will begin on Sunday, 9th, for all classes of sailboats:
IRC - Sonata One Designs - YTC Cruisers - Classic Yachts & Gaffers - White Sail Cruisers - Smacks - Dinghies - Mersea Fishermen's Open Boats
Daily and weekly prize-givings will feature commemorative trophies and additional sponsor awards.
Evening entertainment runs throughout the week, culminating on Friday, 14th August, with the final prize-giving, fantastic sponsor prizes, a brilliant band, and a celebratory barbecue.
We offer free moorings, a free launch service, and a warm Mersea Week welcome to all visiting yachting folk. And truly, the best sail of your life may be waiting for you on the Blackwater, where the light falls differently, and the horizon feels close enough to touch.
NB: The RYA's YTC handicapping system will replace West Mersea Local Handicaps for all 2026 keelboat handicap racing except for the IRC class.
We remain deeply grateful for the generosity of our sponsors — Adnams, Fenn Wright, Dolphin Sails, Oakheart, OneSails, Fiducia, Mersea Homes, LoftZone, Marinestore, Allens, and City & Country. Their support enables us to plan and deliver an exceptional week.
Online 'Early-Boat' entries open on 4th April at www.merseaweek.org