Every September traditional Smacks, Barges and MFOB’s are invited to take part in the Colne Match. It starts and finishes at Batemans Tower, Brightlingsea and creates a fantastic view for spectators. In the evening the trophies are awarded and the categories are below.
Course records – ‘A’ Course distance 21 miles and 1 cable;
Class One Smacks – MARIA CK21 3hrs 12mins 2secs in 2014
Class Two Barges – IRONSIDES 3hrs 31sec in 1978
Smack Trophies
Cock of the Colne & King Colne Cup 1st smack home
Arthur Bowles Cup 2nd smack home
Xanthe Trophy 3rd smack home
David Gowing Memorial Trophy Most traditionally turned out smack
Hammond Bell Trophy 1st over the start line
Rose Bowl 1st bawley home
Skippers Trophy Skipper of 1st smack home
Vernon Scott Trophy Last smack home
Charles Morse Trophy Best restoration
Brian Percival & Brian Webb Cup 1st small smack (under 36ft) home
Jim Spencer Cup 2nd small smack (under 36ft) home
Barge Trophies
CSPS Barge Cup 1st barge home
Sailorman Cup 2nd barge home
Prior Cup 3rd barge home
Weston Cup 4th barge home
Golden Cockerel 1st over the start line
Both Classes
Bob Harman Trophy Best recorded elapsed time
Lowlands Cup Seamanship
Mersea Fishing Open Boats (MFOB’s)
©Lillian MacGregor
©Lillian MacGregor