The 2026 Colne Match (Colne Barge & Smack Race) is scheduled for Saturday, 5th September 2026, starting from Batemans Tower in Brightlingsea. This annual event, a major race for traditional sailing barges and smacks on the Essex coast, features competitive racing with a prizegiving held in the evening.

Key Details for the 2026 Event:

• Date: Saturday, 5th September 2026.

• Location: Starts/finishes at Batemans Tower, Brightlingsea.

• Race Route: Typically travels to Colne Point, out to the Spitways, and rounds back up the Colne to finish off Mersea Stone.

• Vessels: Features traditional Smacks, Barges, and Mersea Fishing Open Boats (MFOBs).

• Spectating: Excellent views are available from the shore near Batemans Tower, with refreshments usually available at the nearby cafe.