Welcome to the early summer 1999 issue of the Redwing Newsletter.
The Nationals are fast looming up on us and since very few of us (me included) have ever been to Brightlingsea I thought that I would publish a little bit of information about the place to give us an insight to what it is like.
Since this is the first year that the Redwing Championships have ever been held at
Brightlingsea, here follows some info. that may be of interest. The following information is taken from documents and leaflets kindly provided by Jan and Graham
Craft (R161) who are Brightlingsea S.C. members and David Thomas (R178) and Alex
McDonald (R219) who made an advance recce to Brightlingsea earlier this year and survived to tell the tale:
Brightlingsea, a maritime heritage town rich in character and history, has been inhabited since earliest times. Saxons, Danes and Normans all have lived here and in
1990 an even earlier occupation was confirmed with the discovery and excavation of a considerable bronze age burial site. For centuries Brightlingsea has been a member of the Cinque Ports - the only member outside the counties of Kent and Sussex. To this day we elect a Deputy of the Cinque Ports - one of the oldest civic posts in Essex.
In the past, the main occupations of Brightlingsea men have been connected with the sea, principally fishing and shipbuilding. Sadly today, only vestiges of these once great industries remain. The beautiful, ancient parish church of All Saints bears moving witness to the cost of this maritime past. The frieze of memorial tablets to
Brightlingsea men lost at sea almost completely encircles its walls.
Brightlingsea sailing club was formed in 1888 and has occupied its present site overlooking Brightlingsea Creek for nearly 40 years. Membership currently stands at around 650.
Racing takes place on weekends from March to December, with pusuit racing on
Thursday evenings in the summer. Racing classes include Mirrors, Hornets, Fireballs,
Isos, Contenders and Brightlingsea One Designs, with a handicap fleet of monohulls and catamarans.
We sail on the Colne/Blackwater Estuary, a wide, unobstructed patch of water with just enough shelter to ensure that we enjoy superb sea sailing at all wind strengths.
We can sail at all states of the tide and our launching ramp runs down to low water level in the creek - the lack of waves here mean you'll never have a problem getting afloat.
Our club has a distinguished racing history and can boast many National, European and World Champions among members past and present - not to mention an Olympic
Gold medallist or two ! The large, comfortable, two-storey clubhouse has views over part of the racing area and has superb galley and bar facilities. Car and dinghy parks are adjacent to the club and one of the best bits of beach in town is right outside our front door!
The club plays an active part in the life of the town and enjoys good relations with a wide variety of other local oganisations. We like to think we're a friendly, easy-going bunch - after Pyefleet Week we hope you'll agree.
The Inland Championships were held over the weekend of 27th and 28th June 1998 at
Chelmarsh SC, Nr. Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The turnout of Redwings was disappointingly small, however those that made the effort were rewarded with some excellent sailing weather and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The results were as follows:
1st R226, "Dreadnought", Richard and Jenny Thompson - Royal Torbay Yacht Club
2nd R244, "Water Rat", Rolly Squibbs and Simon Sweet - Tenby Sailing Club

3rd R228, "Pintail", Bill Dowell and Nick Ward - Chelmarsh Sailing Club