RACE: The Famous NORE race returns. Adventure on Thames

The Nore Race is a combined 'open' cruiser and dinghy race held each year covering a 20 mile circuit of the Thames Estuary, starting and finishing at Southend Pier. Benfleet Yacht Club have been organising this event since the 1930's (although likely to have taken a break during the war years). For many competitors, the Nore Race is the only race that they will compete in: which they treat more like a rally, rather than a full on race until the starting gun fires. Once finished many competitors, both yachts and dinghies, anchor in The Ray and enjoy the Ray Sands before returning home on the tide.

Last updated 5:17pm on 19 October 2026