The highlight of the local yachting calendar will provide a spectacular sight in the Thames Estuary on Sunday.

Starting from the end of Southend Pier, the annual Nore Race is expected to attract hundreds of entries from around the south east and possibly further afield.

"It's open to everyone, from the serious crews who are fully kitted out, to the families who are out for a bit of fun," said Wendy Webster, commodore of Benfleet Yacht Club -- who have organised the race for 80 years.

Leading crews should complete the race in under two hours, and the one-hour mark could, theoretically at least, be reached one day.

"If it was raced in perfect conditions it could happen," said Webster.

She added, though, that being the quickest on the water would not guarantee success, saying: "It's not always the fastest boat out there that wins because it's a handicap race."

There will be a huge array of boats on show and Webster said: "The race is open to all locally-rated cruisers and we welcome hot-shot racers and Sunday cruisers.

"The only thing we can't allow is windsurfers, which is a real shame.

"We'd love to be able to say 'race if you're good enough to complete the course' but cannot provide enough safety boats to cover them."

Despite the ban on windsurfers, Webster said that over 200 crews could take part, though the weather will dictate what course they complete.

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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