Flag signals: the Newsletter of Ely Sailing Club June 2026
Published 11:54 on 29 Jun 2026
Dear all,
We're well into the sailing season now and June has been a busy month with lots of people out for social sailing in the nice
weather as well as racing on Sundays. And of course there was an annual highlight in the 12h overnight race which saw fantastic
weather, plentiful marshmallows and a great night all round - there's more photos and a round up on the website.
There's lots to look forward to in July as well, including something that has become a highlight of the year for many of us, our
annual trip to Hunter's Yard on the Norfolk broads, this year on the 18th July. For anyone who doesn't know, Hunter's Yard is the
home of a fleet of beautiful traditional wooden Broads keel-boats, dating back to the 1930s. We'll be taking several of them out
for a full day on the Broads sailing around the rivers, enjoying the hopefully beautiful weather and with leisurely lunch (and
maybe ice cream) stop. We will split experienced helms across boats so no need to be experienced to join: everyone is
welcome. £30/person. Booking is open on our website.
The following day (19th July) we have the Jamie Butcher Charity memorial races which will start at 11:30 and will be raising
money in Jamie's memory through a £5+ entry fee per boat. A link will be made available for donations as well as cash on the
day if easier (card won't be possible unfortunately).
The last 2 weekends of the summer series are upon us and then we'll be moving in to the August mini series (starting the last
weekend in July..!) which is all pursuit races, so perfect for those not so confident on a busy start line.
For our cadets, the Ely leg of the Youth League is on 04/07/26. This is a great chance to try 'bigger' racing right on our little
puddle. There won't be social sailing that day but all are welcome to come spectate!
Social sailing also continues every Friday evening (followed by a social evening) and Saturday afternoon, plus Thursdays remain
a popular opportunity for beginners racing and/or social sailing for all - particularly popular with our cadets, but very much open
to all.
With the (mostly!) lovely weather hopefully looking set to continue for a bit, remember that you're always welcome to take
advantage of the club BBQ on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons to get together with family and friends in our beautiful
setting.
And if you want a mid-week sailing activity, the model Yacht fleet always welcome new participants on a Tuesday evening:
there's even a club boat you can borrow to dip your toes in the waters.
Make sure to check the website calendar for what's going on every week!
If you're planning a UK holiday this year and would like to take your boat, or fancy attending an open event, but don't have a
trailer, the club has a variety of trailers you are welcome to borrow: just ask a committee member for more information.
Lastly, we regularly go round the clubhouse gathering up things that have been left behind (remember the Wombles, anyone?!)
and the most recent haul can be found on the table just inside the clubhouse: please have a look to see if there is anything of
yours, or anything that has been donated that you'd find useful, before the 24th July, when we'll be looking to move on anything
that is still there.
Stay safe and enjoy the hot weather while it lasts,
Ian, Catherine and Brent
Last updated 11:54 on 29 June 2026