The Swale Match

41st SWALE SMACK & BARGE MATCH 2013
Saturday 3rd August - Start 11am

The COURSE is likely to be from the Start Line in the East Swale (Sand End Buoy) out to a mark where the old Spaniard was, in towards Herne Bay and back into the Swale to the Finish near the entrance to Faversham & Oare Creek.

There is a late start this year; the barges start first at 11 am, followed by the other classes with 15 minutes interval.

11:00 Class 4 & 5 Staysail Barges & Slow Staysail Barges
11:15 Class 3 Bowsprit Barges
11:30 Class 2 & 2a Gaffers 25ft. and over Gaffers under 25ft
11:45 Class 1, 1a, 1b Smacks & Bawleys,Replica Smacks & Bawleys,Open class for ex-fishing craft
12:00 Class 9 Bermudan Classics
TBA Class 2b,6,7, Open Gaffers,Dutch Barges,Baltic Traders
Class 8 Traditional Steam and Motor Vessels

Spectators and photographers an view the race from various vantage points. At Harty Ferry, before the start, all the vessels from all the different classes can be seen setting sail and moving down to the start line.
The race can then be watched from Seasalter, Shell Ness on Sheppey and from
Whitstable, Tankerton and Herne Bay.

There will be Prize Giving at Hollowshore in the evening after the Match. There will be live music, drinks and delicious food.

HIGH Water at Harty Ferry on Saturday 3rd August is approx.10:45 hrs (4.6m) & 23:10 hrs (4.7m)