Long Distance 3 - Sharpness

HW 12:28 (10.12m) Narlwood Rocks

The Sharpness race is a long-distance race and heads up the river towards Sharpness. Historically we have used an anchored cruiser as the 'Stake boat' but Tom Skuse can be used or as a last resort the Beacon near Berkeley Power Station. The stake boat is usually anchored near the mouth of Berkeley Pill which is located between Berkeley Power Station and Sharpness Docks.

The official start time for this race is the earliest you can start. Competitors can start at any time following the official start and their individual start time will be recorded. The aim is to allow sufficient time to arrive at the 'Stake boat' as close to HW Sharpness as possible.

The 'stake boat' will lift its anchor at an agreed time (typically 30mins after HW Oldbury) and any boats that have not rounded will be scored a DNF. The OOD should set the lift time before the race start.

The course will include the Counts channel marker on the way upriver and downriver to ensure competitors avoid the Oldbury Power Station tidal reservoir. The 'Ledges' channel marker should not be used on the return leg due to it forcing competitors too close to the reservoir.

The results will be based on the elapsed time of each competitor from their individual start time to their finish time. The elapsed time will be corrected in the standard way.

The first cruiser on corrected time in the Sharpness race wins the Bristol Fashion trophy (Bristol Blue Glass) donated by Norman Knapp and presented in his memory.

Long distance races are generally best suited to experienced sailors with good knowledge of the river. Conditions can be challenging and support boat cover, although provided, cannot be relied upon to provide assistance as it is spread thinly along the river and may be helping another participant. If in doubt, seek guidance from the OOD before taking part.

Last updated 10:27am on 27 April 2026