Hosted by West Mersea Yacht Club, the race has a well-established history. Planned in 1969, the first race was sailed for in 1970, competing for the Coconut Trophy, a polished mounted coconut which had been won almost 100 years ago in Africa, donated by local sailmaker Paddy Hare, who memorably said that a nutty trophy was needed for a nutty race!
The race has run virtually every year since then, attracting up to 180 participants from near and far to take part in the unusual challenge. A particularly memorable occasion was when a large number of squib keelboats (at 19 foot long and weighing 680kg) entered the race, and a mobile crane was hired to lift the boats across the road!
Today, the race tends to attract a wide range of dinghies and catamarans, from fishermen’s open boats to Hurricane catamarans, all hoping to be the fastest to circumnavigate the Island. Whilst competitors are required to choose their start time in advance, sailors can decide which way to go on the day, dependent on the conditions. Some of the faster craft even circumnavigate the Island twice, with a special prize available for this.
At about 13.5 nautical miles, the race takes on average about two and a half hours to complete, although of course this does depend on the wind, tide and size of boat competing – with boats as small as Toppers having participated, all aiming to finish by the 6pm cut off time.
In 2022, the race was won by a Javelin in breezy conditions, much to the delight of spectators watching from the beach.
Tim Wood is one of the competitors who has taken part in almost every race, winning twice in his Wayfarer both in 1994 and 2003 (the only times a Wayfarer has won) – each of these years relishing the classic sea breeze enabling him to carry the spinnaker all the way round.
Looking ahead to this year, Tim says “I’d love to win it a third time! This year I’m sailing with Connor (aged 17), who has never sailed it before. It’s a wonderful event and great fun – but it is a long way and can take time.” And for anyone considering taking part for the first time, he has the following advice: “It’s all dependent on choosing the right start time, and if you’re lucky with the weather – any boat can win – a small Mirror dinghy (weighing in at just over 45kg) has won twice!”
This year, the race is due to take place on Saturday 02 September, the organisers choosing a date when there will be a big tide. More information can be found here https://www.merseasailing.com/event/round-west-mersea-island-race
For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region visit www.rya.org.uk/startboating.
