About

How it all began...

North West Norfolk Week started in 1949 from an idea of Oliver Atkins and Lionel Wilkinson, who suggested that the coastal clubs between Blakeney and King’s Lynn should pool their resources and organise a Regatta that involved all the clubs in the area. In the post-war austerity of 1948/9 it was also conceived as an event which could fit in with a family holiday in a very attractive and unspoiled area of the country. This ethos still prevails at Norfolk Week today - a competitive but fun, family event.

The 1949 regatta had fleets of National 12s, International 14s and Fireflies; these fleets have changed over the years as sailing has evolved and fashions changed, the intervening years seeing Enterprises, Fireballs and OKs coming to prominence during the 1960’s. North West Norfolk Week was one of the first regattas, with the support and encouragement of the Laser Association, to introduce class racing for Lasers in the 1970’s.

Over the 75 years many fleets have come and gone, but in all that time National 12s have remained the senior and mainstay fleet. As dinghy classes diversified, the Allcomers fleet was introduced and is now the second biggest fleet. However, one of the nice traditions is that any class that musters more than five boats to enter the week has its own start.

A week that offers a bit of everything…

For anyone who hasn’t done it before, North West Norfolk Week is unlike most regattas! It is impossible to list all the aspects that give the week the character that it has. Suffice it to say that it produces a unique event in the sailing calendar!

Rather than settling in at one club for the whole week, the event takes you on a mini-tour of the North Norfolk coastline, racing at Snettisham, Ouse Amateur SC (Saddlebow), Wells, Blakeney, Burnham Overy Staithe and Brancaster Staithe.

This means you get a real mix of conditions—open sea, tidal harbours, and inland water—all within the same week. No two days feel the same, and everyone gets a chance to sail somewhere that suits them. North West Norfolk itself is just a stunning place to sail: big skies, wide beaches, long tidal horizons and saltmarsh make it one of the most scenic parts of the UK.

Snettisham Beach is situated in the Wash and so offers large open sea courses. The Ouse Amateur Sailing Club at Saddlebow, just outside King’s Lynn, offers the protection of inland sailing akin to Trent Valley. The largest coastal salt marshes in the world stretch between Brancaster Staithe, Overy Staithe, Wells and Blakeney. All of these clubs provide a further range of courses within these beautiful natural harbours and creeks.

The Format…

As the senior class, National 12s always have the first start (using a 6 and 3 minute start sequence). The racing at Snettisham Beach has two races per day, as does Ouse Amateur SC, with the races being amalgamated for a daily winner. All the other clubs have one race per day and the prize giving is always held as soon as possible after racing. There is a daily trophy for each venue, all of which were originally presented 75 years ago – so there’s a lot of engraving with many recognisable names from years gone by. There is also an overall trophy for the week and the “3 Harbours Trophy”- a beautiful watercolour painting donated in the memory of Robin Stevenson. This is presented to the highest placed N12 competitor of the racing at Blakeney, Wells and Brancaster Staithe.

Camaraderie and more than just sailing…

One of the real strengths of North West Norfolk Week is how inclusive it feels. Whatever class you sail and whatever your level, you’re made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive. It’s a friendly, easy-going week where people look out for each other and enjoy the mix of boats and personalities.

In order for there to be enough water to sail, the week is always selected based on the highest possible spring tides, usually at the end of July, beginning of August. The week kicks off with afternoon /early evening starts – switching over a few days in to early mornings. Although some may say “you call this a holiday?” you are often treated to amazing sunsets and sunrises which make it all worthwhile. The other benefit of the week is that the tide does go out! A short tidal window means there’s no lengthy postponements. Racing starts promptly and this is why it’s also a great family week that can encompass other activities as well as the sailing.

North West Norfolk is packed with attractions: Holkham Hall and its vast beach, the colourful harbour at Wells-next-the-Sea, the coastal paths around Brancaster, seal trips out of Blakeney, the grand estate at Sandringham, and seaside favourites like Hunstanton. There’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained throughout the week.

There is a Norfolk Week WhatsApp group which is used to organise the socials and for general discussion. A whole fleet social with live music was organised in 2025, with another, similar event, being planned in 2026.

Accomodation…

Snettisham SC offer camping in their grounds, and “Nina’s Field” which is further inland is available at an incredible £10-per-night, perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of the week without spending a fortune on accommodation. Many 12 sailors congregate around the Brancaster / Brancaster Staithe area which is central to all of the venues and close to The Jolly Sailors Pub!

A week with a surprise return…

Due to declining numbers (a reflection of dinghy sailing in general), 2025 was supposed to be the 75th anniversary and the last regatta. That was the plan, at least. However, after what was meant to be its final outing, North West Norfolk Week is back for a 76th edition in 2026 —thanks to the enthusiasm of the competitors!

The North West Norfolk Sailing Association has now confirmed the dates for 2026 as 8–15^th August, giving everyone plenty of time to plan another great week of summer racing along this beautiful stretch of coastline.

There’s also a quiet hope that if numbers continue to grow, North West Norfolk Week might not be finished after all. A strong turnout in 2026 could help secure its future for years to come. Be warned though - it is extremely addictive! Most people having been once have returned year after year!

Anyone who is interested in taking part in North West Norfolk next year and would like further information and advice can contact Alex Gore (who is Commodore of NWNW) for further details:

alexandiangore@yahoo.co.uk | 07771697755