Marconi SC is located in the Essex countryside on the southern shore of the River Blackwater.
The club caters for cruisers, windsurfers, dinghies and catamarans, including around 20 Sprint 15s. There is fleet racing for Sprint 15s throughout the season (March to October) and several of the club's Sprint sailors travel to TT events and the Nationals. The club hosts a Sprint 15 TT event most years, often the season opener in April. There is informal and friendly Sprint 15 tuition on a Wednesday afternoon throughout the summer months.
The extensive grounds are good for camping and the estuary provides excellent sailing with some tricky tides. Each year Marconi SC runs the long distance East Coast Piers Race (approx 48 miles) and its shorter sibling the Colne Point Race (approx 27 miles). The latter is ideally suited to the Sprint 15 and has been won by '15 sailors on many occasions. A figure of eight course around Northey and Osea islands (approx 8 miles) forms a popular part every Sprint 15 TT at the club.
Location
Address: Marconi Sailing Club, Stansgate Abbey Farm, Stansgate Road, Southminster, Essex CM0 7NU
Marconi Sailing club is situated on the River Blackwater near the village of Steeple, Essex - approximately 30 minutes drive east of Chelmsford. Directions are available on the club website, or simply enter postcode "CM0 7NU" into your sat nav or favourite mapping website.
When approaching by road pass through the main village of Steeple, then take first the turning on your left, Stansgate Road - (just past farm buildings and will be signposted for Marconi SC). Follow Stansgate Road all the way to the end until you reach a large metal gate which is the entrance to the club. The gate is normally locked but will be opened at designated times during open events. Once you have entered the club site turn right for the catamaran park where you car/boat parking and camping is usually located during open events.
Please note that Stansgate Road is single track only with passing places so please drive slowly and carefully and respect the other residents/users of the road.
Facilities
The Club site is a green field of some 5 acres, with ample boat storage space, parking and a wide launching ramp. The Club house is two storey and boasts hot showers, bar, professionally catered galley, as well as all the usual amenities. The Club enjoys on site camping for 28 days a year, two weeks of which is taken in early August when we also run a Cadet week that is always well supported.
Sailing Waters
The club sails in the wide tidal estuary of the River Blackwater, with launching and sailing possible at any state of the tide. The estuary is ideal for exploring the islands of Osea and Northsey and trips can be made to Bradwell and Maldon. Beyond Bradwell the North Sea beckons our more intrepid sailors. Launching is from a wide concrete ramp with shingle beach at either side. Skeg protectors or similar (locals use old tyres!) are recommended to rest your boat on whilst rigging.
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