The annual gathering of Cape Cutters will take place from Saturday May 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2015, based on the river Orwell in Suffolk.
Suffolk Yacht Harbour
The fleet will base itself at Suffolk Yacht Harbour on the River Orwell, from which there is easy access to the superb sailing areas of the Orwell, Deben and Stour rivers, along with the Walton backwaters.
The area offers excellent motorway and ferry links, a number of good marinas, but most of all, excellent cruising ground for our boats in a range of possible weather conditions. The pattern will be similar to the 2014 event, based at a marina with suitable launching facilities, with the expectation of making both day sails and overnight trips, depending on the weather. This will be the largest ever gathering of Cape Cutters and it would be lovely to see an international dimension.
The Class Association has arranged for discounted launch and berth at Suffolk Yacht Harbour and, with many people on hand to help, launch and recovery will be straightforward. The harbour is unusual in that boats are launched using a wire, so the tow vehicle stays on dry and level concrete. In addition, Suffolk Yacht Harbour has excellent facilities, including electric hook up, good showers, chandlery, restaurant.
Outline Programme of events
Saturday 23rd May – arrival and launch, followed by shakedown cruise on River Orwell. Welcome meal at a pub, a pleasant walk through the nature reserve adjoining the marina.
Sunday 24th May – Cruise in company down the Orwell and, after a short hop up the coast to the cruiser the river Deben to Waldringfield. We’ll spend a night on a mooring and an evening meal at the Maybush Inn on the riverside.
Monday 25th May –Return cruise to the Orwell.
Tuesday 26th May: cruise up the river Stour to Manningtree, night at anchor.
Wednesday 27th May: Afternoon race on river Orwell, organised by Royal Harwich Yacht Club. Evening meal at Royal Harwich Yacht Club.
Thursday 28th May: Cruise in company to the Walton Backwaters (aka Arthur Ransome’s “Secret Water”) .
Friday 29th May: return to Suffolk Yacht Harbour.
Sunday 31st May – recovery and close
More details of events to follow; if you wish to arrive earlier or stay on longer, you are more than welcome. Exact details weather dependent.
Useful links:
- Suffolk Yacht Harbour
- Harwich Harbour tide times
- Deben estuary information
- Video: International Cape Cutter Week 2014 from Charles Erb on Vimeo.
For more information, and to register your interest, please contact webmaster@capecutter19association.org
SYH launch ramp
