Thrills and Antics at the Inspiring Lowestoft Sea Week 2025 in the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club

Lowestoft Sea Week 2025, hosted by the renowned Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club, underwent a significant switch this year. The event, traditionally slated for August, sailed in during the neap tide week of July. This alteration spun out extraordinary racing competitions, albeit with fewer participants than usual.

This week-long oceanic extravaganza was orchestrated under the energetic guidance of Jenny and Bryan Riley as Race Officers. Their robust team was abetted by about 20 STARS (Support Team Aiding Racing at Sea) volunteers who provided vital on-the-water assistance.

The festivities commenced with the Inshore Challenge on the Saturday preceding the main event, which saw five boats racing against the currents. Among these challengers was Richard Fryer, the Commodore of the hosting yacht club. Veronica and Ben Falat’s Squib, the Squffy, and the Custard, steered by Richard Fryer and David Houghton, emerged as two memorable entrants.

The following day, Sunday, was dominated by stirring and much-anticipated BODs and Squibs races, with Richard Sullivan and Sue Harper’s Clever Dick clinching a spectacular Squib victory.

Monday’s weather threw a wrench in proceedings with an odd mix of aggressive squalls complemented by an eerily calm afternoon. Competitors rushed to cover their boats before taking refuge at the bar, waiting for the weather to stabilise.

Tuesday was a testing day for the STARS team, as they organised two consecutive races amidst shifting off-shore winds. However, in true sailing fashion, they took it in stride, showing the resilience and adaptability that make the event such a captivating spectacle each year. The Lowestoft Sea Week 2025, with its twist of dates, turbulent weather, and thrilling sailing confrontations, proved once more why it is an event eagerly awaited and inscribed in the calendar by sailing enthusiasts worldwide.