Are you the owner of Creeksea Sailing Club?
Cruising membership remains active. Today, Creeksea Sailing Club is known for its excellent launching facilities on the River Crouch, away from the crowded moorings off Burnham. The club's boathouse, changing area, toilets, and showers are all hidden from the river, giving it a low-profile but inviting atmosphere.
The club, established in 1957, is affiliated with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and has a rich history. Local sailors will easily recognise the starting hut adjacent to the slipway, and the club's safety RIB is available to support sailors, allowing for launching at any state of the tide. The club prides itself on providing racing opportunities for all classes of dinghies, with a fleet of approximately 18 boats and usually at least seven boats racing. Additionally, handicap racing is welcomed with a separate start on Sundays.
The club also has an active cruising membership.
Prospective members are welcome to visit the club, with more members typically present on weekends. Alternatively, they can contact any of the members listed on the contacts page. It's important to note that the club has sole launching rights over the ramp, and public use is not allowed. Only tenders and motor vessels used as auxiliary engines may be launched.
Creeksea Sailing Club maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Facebook, where members can engage in chat and stay informed about day-to-day events. The club's website, created by Alan Shrimplin, offers useful links such as weather updates for Burnham on Crouch and tide times.
The history of Creeksea Sailing Club is closely tied to the war years. The slipway, now used by the club, was initially built to service RAF fast rescue boats and the Navy's Motor Torpedo flotilla in the Crouch. The slipway played a crucial role in small boat engagements during East Coast convoys, as well as in recovering downed aircrew. After the war, Creeksea Hall was restored, giving the opportunity for the development of the Caravan site, which still exists today.
The abandoned slipway became popular among weekend sailors, leading to the founding of the club. Over the years, the club has seen various classes of boats and activities, including the heyday of Burnham Week in the 1970s with presentations hosting up to 160 people. Today, the club attracts racing enthusiasts, especially those interested in single-handed boats like the Phantom. The club's facilities have improved over time, and in 2013, the old slipway was replaced with a new one through funding from within the club and a grant from Essex County Council, greatly enhancing the ability to launch boats single-handedly.
Creeksea Sailing Club is a vibrant sailing community in Burnham-on-Crouch, offering excellent facilities, a rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere to both racing enthusiasts and cruising members.
