Whitstable Yacht Club - On The Water

The Whitstable Forts Race Weekend

The UK's premier catamaran focused long distance race! Part of the Allen Endurance Series!

28th and 29th May 2022

Over the last 25 years, our long-distance race has evolved into a well-balanced test of sailing and racing skills, attracting top national helms as well as experienced club racers and international entries. Now part of the Allen Endurance Series, the Forts Race has been opened to a wider range of boats and sailors, including catamarans and monohulls. Laid out in hub and spoke format, with each leg returning through a gate near the club, the full course covers up to 85 kilometres in estuary, coastal and open sea conditions, and provides racing at all points of sailing. The flexibility of this format differentiates the Forts Race from other marathon events.

View large image of race course

It can be shortened for all competitors if winds are light.
It can be shortened for smaller boats, to provide similar duration of racing.
The course can be changed if conditions change.
The risk of cancellation is reduced as it is easier to manage.
Competitors can retire on passing through the gate each round.
Support craft can be rapidly re-deployed where needed in emergency.

2022 Format:

SATURDAY – THE BAY RACE The Bay Race will be raced round buoys off Whitstable Yacht Club, starting at 14:00. The courses and format of the race will be published by 12:00 depending on weather conditions, and there will be a briefing at 12:30.

SUNDAY – THE FORTS RACE AND WHITSTABLE BAY ENDURANCE The long-distance race will be sailed in the area off Whitstable Yacht Club, starting at 11:00. Fast catamarans (PY 790 and faster) will sail the leg to the Forts first (Forts Race), then join the Endurance Race in radiating legs from WYC. All other boats will sail radiating “legs”, East to Herne Bay Pier, North to channel markers off Whitstable, Northwest along the coast of Sheppey, and West up the Swale Estuary. Course details for each Class will be provided at registration on Saturday. The Race Officer reserves the right to shorten the course for all OR individual competitors OR all competitors of specific classes. The results from the Endurance Race shall count towards the 2022 Allen Endurance Series.

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Entry

The Forts Race weekend is open to all dinghies and sports catamarans with a PY rating of 1270 and lower. Kayaks, paddle boards, windsurf and Kite surf entry not permitted. If in doubt about eligibility, please contact Whitstable Yacht Club.
Entries are limited to 25 visiting boats in total due to space onshore. There is no limit to WYC members boats.
Entries for non-members must be made before 8pm on Friday 20th May
The entry fee is Single Handed £40, Double Handed £60. This includes food for the helm and crew at the Saturday night party.
Note: There will be no additional discounts for boats entering only the Forts Race or the Endurance Race.
The event committee may extend the entry limits or entry deadline at their sole discretion.

Key Statistics

The most popular classes have been Dart 18, Formula 18, Hurricane 5.9, Spitfire and Tornado. Typically the race attracts 25+ catamaran entries. Tidal flow is generally less than three knots, and even then only out to sea at the Forts The race usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the conditions and the speed of your boat.

Schedule

2022 schedule:
Saturday 28th May

(High Water – 1232)
10:00 to 13:00 – Registration
12:30 – Race Briefing
13:54 – Warning Signal for the Practice Race
19:00 – The Forts Party

Sunday 29th May

(High Water – 1310)
09:00 to 11:00 – Registration
10:00 – Race Briefing
10:55 – Warning signal for the Endurance Race
18:00 - Finishing period time limit
Prize Giving will be held as soon as possible after the end of racing.

Accommodation

There are a large number of accommodation options within walking distance of the club (see the WYC accommodation pages), and WYC has a limited number of bunk rooms available. Booking early is recommended! There's plenty of parking in the Whitstable town centre, close to the club.

We also have a limited amount of Campervan/Motorhome parking available about 5 minutes walk from the club. Please contact us in advance at rear.comm.sailing@wyc.org.uk if you're planning to bring a van to ensure we can book your space.

Forts Race Course

Click here (updated 26th August 2018) to download a provisional list of marks which can be used for the long distance racing.

Important Documents

2022:

Notice of Race (updated 25/05)
Sailing Instructions (updated 25/05)

Previous Races

2021:

The 2021 Forts Race was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

2020:

The 2020 Forts Race was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

2019:

The 2019 Forts Race was held on Sunday 19th May.

2018:

The 2018 Forts Race was held on Sunday 9th September.

2017:

The 2017 Forts Race was held on Sunday 10th September.

2016:

The 2016 Forts Race was held on Saturday 3rd September.

Full race report
2016 Short Course and 2016 Full Race results
Photos from the 2016 race

2015:

The 2015 Forts Race was held on Saturday 12th September.

2014:

The 2014 Forts Race was held on Saturday 13th September.

2013:

The 2013 Forts Race was held on Saturday 21st September.

2012:

The 2012 Forts Race was held on Saturday 15th September, with three Round the Cans races on Sunday 16th September.

2011

Contact

For more information call (01227 272942) or email the WYC Office. Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FortsRace

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