Spring Bank Holiday Cruise - Shotley Peninsular
Saturday 23 May – Monday 25 May
Shotley Peninsula, Felixstowe & Harwich
Join us for three days of relaxed sailing, coastal exploration, and social gatherings!
Overview
Celebrate the Spring Bank Holiday with fellow members on a yacht rally along the beautiful East Coast. Our itinerary combines scenic sailing, land-based activities, and plenty of time to unwind. Whether you’re arriving from nearby ports or joining us ashore, this is a perfect way to enjoy the season.
Itinerary
Saturday, May 23 – Arrival & Welcome
- 10:00–15:00: Arrive at Shotley Marina, settle in and relax.
- Afternoon: Optional short sail around Harwich Harbour and up the River Stour, or enjoy a coastal walk on the Shotley Peninsula.
- 18:00–21:00: Welcome BBQ at Shotley Marina – great food and a chance to meet everyone.
Sunday, May 24 – Coastal Exploration
- Morning: Cruise to Felixstowe Ferry (approx. 2–3 hours), passing the impressive Felixstowe Docks.
- Lunch: Beach picnic at Felixstowe or Bawdsey – bring your own or order locally.
- Afternoon: Explore ashore – options include Felixstowe town, Bawdsey Radar Museum, or a walk along the River Deben.
- Evening: Optional group dinner in Harwich Old Town at a traditional pub or seafood restaurant. Overnight in Harwich or return to Shotley.
Monday, May 25 – Scenic Sail & Farewell
- Morning: Leisurely sail up the River Orwell toward Pin Mill for classic East Coast scenery.
- Lunch: Riverside meal at the Butt & Oyster pub.
- Afternoon: Return to Shotley Marina for departure prep. Farewell and departures to home ports.
Additional Notes
- Safety: Ensure VHF communication and tide planning for Deben and Orwell.
- Land Options: Non-sailing members can join at Shotley or Harwich for social events.
- Weather Contingency: Alternative land-based activities if conditions prevent sailing.
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Notes for Skippers
Your host will be Jonathan Harbourne
Any questions, please email eastcoast@gaysailing.org.uk
Itinerary is flexible—members will have time to make suggestions and changes.
Voyage Briefing
Wednesday 13 May, 8–9 PM
Get all your questions answered before we set sail.
Notes for Skippers
Your host: Jonathan Harbourne
Questions? Email: eastcoast@gaysailing.org.uk
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow sailors, share stories, and make lasting memories. Don’t miss it!
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GETTING HELP TO JOIN US
Skippers seeking crew, and crew seeking boats/berths are initially advised to use our WhatsApp channels. If you are unsuccessful contact the event host eastcoast@gaysailing.org.uk.
Land based participants are as always welcome to join for the evening meals.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
- Register your attendance via the S&CA website by 1 March 2026.
- We have at least a couple of boats already that will require crew – please register or email us, or use the WhatsApp channels so we allocate space.
- Upon approach, skippers will be required to contact the harbour/marina by VHF for specific berthing instructions (please state you are part of the Sailing & Cruising Association (S&CA) Rally.
- You can bring along friends, but remember to ‘add guest’ at the point of your registration. Guests can only be added at the time of registration. If you later want to add a guest and the event did not require payment please cancel your registration and re-register adding your guest. If your registration did require payment please contact the event host.
EVENT SAFETY AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
We are very much a social club, but participants must please be mindful of the inherent dangers of alcohol consumption and proximity to water. There have been incidents in past events of participants consuming excessive alcohol and falling from pontoons into the water. Each of these events could, but for luck, have resulted in tragic consequences. Please be mindful of your alcohol consumption on club events, and take particular care to ensure that you can get yourself safely back on board at the end of a social evening. We need to look after each other, so if you notice that another participant is showing effects of intoxication, please make other members of their crew aware, and ensure that they are not returning to the boats or pontoons alone.
Please also be aware of the additional risks when using dinghies/tenders, which has also resulted in event participants being unintentionally in the water.
Please use the links below for safety advice from the RYA and RNLI.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
The club will endeavour to provide full refunds for event charges when cancellations are made by you through the Website and made in good time. Normally, a week before the event is due to take place will be sufficient.
If the club has made third party bookings, paid deposits or made other commitments, it may be that only a partial refund or no refund is offered.
Where a refund is requested due to dissatisfaction with third party goods or services, a refund will only be offered if such refund is also made to the club by the third-party.
Sailing & Cruising Association
