Colne Smack Preservation Society

23/06/2026

⏳ LAST FEW PLACES REMAINING ⏳

There’s still time to join us for the Colne Smack Preservation Society’s Annual Sail & Picnic this Sunday, 28th June 2026.

⛵ Sail in company with fellow smacks
🧺 Enjoy a picnic lunch rafted up on the river
🌞 Spend a relaxing afternoon afloat with friends and fellow members

📍 Muster: Town Jetty
🕙 10:00 hrs

This is a members-only event, and places are now very limited.

If you’d like to take part and are not yet a member, please contact our Membership Secretary Richard Bradfield at [email protected] as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing you on the water!

30/05/2026

⛵ REDUCED TO £25,000 ⛵

A unique opportunity to own a remarkable piece of East Coast maritime history.

Mary Amelia MN59 is a 34ft Howard smack built in 1914 for the Osbourne family to cockle out of Leigh-on-Sea. Over more than a century, she has built an extraordinary story of survival, restoration and adventure.

Rescued from being sunk in 1981 by Colin Fox, she was later purchased by Jonathan Simper in 2001, who undertook a major rebuild in 2008–09, replacing approximately 70% of the vessel’s structure while preserving her historic character.

Mary Amelia has featured in film work, been documented in several of Robert Simper’s books, and has even cruised as far as Calais.

Now available at a reduced asking price of £25,000.

View full details here:
https://www.mjlewisboatsales.com/boats/34ft-bawley-leigh-cockler-1914/

26/05/2026

🌊 Save the date: Sunday 14th June 2026!
The Blessing of the Waters returns to Brightlingsea - a much-loved local tradition by the coast.

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Two historic smacks are currently in the smack dock seeking new custodians to take on their restoration and preservation for future generations.

⛵ Nellie CK276 — a 34ft Walter Cook smack built in 1888

⛵ Victory LO111 — built by Howard of Maldon in 1894

Both vessels would make ideal projects for an individual restorer, a syndicate, or a trust dedicated to preserving our maritime heritage.

For further information, please contact our Membership Secretary Richard at:

📧 [email protected]

08/05/2026

Members will be saddened to hear that Christine Norris has recently passed away. Behind her joyous smile, she had fought the incoming flood tide of cancer with great bravery and courage. Christine was already an enthusiastic traditional boat sailor when she and Dick first met at the Colne match. The perfect compliment of warmth and fun to Dick’s temperament and character, they were a familiar sight in the smack world aboard Stormy Petrel.

Her funeral service will be held at 1pm on 13 May at Medway Crematorium, Robin Hood Lane, Bluebell hill Chatham Me5 9QU followed by her wake at The Bridgewood Manor Hotel.

28/04/2026

⛵Colne Smack Preservation Society – Annual Sail & Picnic 2026 ⛵

We’re pleased to announce our 2026 Annual Sail and Picnic will take place on:

📅 Sunday 28th June 2026
📍 Muster: Town Jetty
🕙 10:00hrs sharp

Smacks will sail out and raft together on the river for a picnic lunch, enjoying a relaxed afternoon afloat in good company.

🔒 Members only event

If you’re not a member but would like to join us, please contact our Membership Secretary Richard Bradfield at [email protected]

🧺 Don’t forget your picnic!

16/04/2026

Colne Smack Preservation Society