WHAT THE CLUB DOES

The Stour Sailing Club caters for racing, cruising and fishing. We have a full social programme and the clubhouse is open most lunchtimes and evenings.

In the Club’s compound, on the hard and moorings can be seen the wide mix of craft which reflect members' interests: racing, estuary pottering, coastal and offshore cruising, and fishing.

Dinghies and cruisers race in classes.  In recent years the club has amassed a fleet of 18' Micro Cupper racing cruisers, which is possibly the largest single fleet in the UK. 

Sailing punts which are unique to the upper Stour race at the annual regatta. These are built and sailed by men whose families have fished the Stour for generations.

The Club has just over three hundred members, a figure which includes families and single members with sailing experience and youngsters who wish to sail or to learn about other activities on the water. There is a place for those less active too. The Clubhouse is located in Quay Street, within two minutes walk of facilities in Manningtree town centre. From the clubhouse balcony members can enjoy a panoramic view across the upper tidal reaches of the River Stour, with its saltings and channels where the 140 swinging moorings controlled by the Club are to be seen. The Suffolk shore provides an attractive backdrop.

The Clubhouse has a full range of facilities including kitchen available for members' personal use, showers and toilets, as well as a comfortable lounge bar and the downstairs 'Parlour'. The premises are owned by the Club, as are the Club’s compounds, quay, starting hut and associated hard standing.

COMPOUND STORAGE

The Club’s main compound provides dinghy and tender storage facilities during the sailing season, and limited accommodation for the winter storage of larger craft.

SAILING PROGRAMME

A full programme of races is organised each year for dinghies, Micros, and cruisers, from Easter to Autumn. Shorter races are organised, usually starting at an hour and half before HW.  Longer races, sometimes combined with visits to clubs at Harwich, Shotley, and in the River Orwell, also feature in the programme.  Beginners are especially encouraged, and sail-training days are arranged in the summer. 

Highlight of the racing year is the Manningtree two-day Regatta, organised and run by the Club, which has social events in which the local community may participate. For members who are more keen on cruising than racing, a programme of cruises in company is arranged.

Gun Punt Racing - Unique to Manningtree

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

The social highlights are: the regatta, with a big turnout for the mud sports typically comprising the low-tide tug of war, races across the river, and the children’s beach racing; the regatta dance, the Fitting Out and Laying-Up events, and the annual Dinner and dance at which prizes and awards are presented.

Club members also get together for fishing expeditions and beach barbecues along the estuary shores.

PARTICIPATION

In order to keep membership subscriptions to a modest level, the club expects members to contribute some effort or expertise by volunteering to undertake on occasion various duties. These may include acting as Officer of the Day for race starting, manning the safety boat, attending a working party, or manning the bar - a useful means of meeting other members.