Race & Trophy Details

From traditional sand-crossing challenges to high-performance class racing, explore our unique club trophies and competitive events.

Race & Category
Details & Traditions
Trophy & Timing

Galleon

Cats & Dinghies

A traditional race around the South Margate Sands. Competitors can drag their boats over the sand as long as they round the marks!

Taking a launching trolley on your boat to carry it across sand is part of the fun—anything goes!

Galleon
1hr before LW

Acorn Shield

Handicap < 1078

To Herne Bay Pier and back. Start time is set to allow slower handicap boats to reach the pier at HW slack. Run concurrently with the Twin Towers.

Acorn Shield
1.5hrs before HW @ HB

Twin Towers

Handicap 1078+

To Reculver Towers and back, with a buoy laid close inshore. Run at the same time as the Acorn Shield.

Before HW @ Herne Bay

Trevor Cowell Pursuit

All Classes

A 90-minute pursuit race with staggered starts by handicap. The leading boat at the finish time is the winner.

Held near June 20th/27th to commemorate Trevor Cowell.

Memorial Trophy
Donor: Cowell Family

Longnose / Shortnose

Dinghies & Cats

Traditional long-distance races timed for LW off the North Foreland. Longnose for faster classes, Shortnose for slower dinghies.

1.5hrs before LW

Junior Races

Under 21s

Includes the Dolphin Trophy (General) and Ladies Dolphin (awarded to highest placed female helm).

Dolphin Trophies

Gala Series

Mid-week to Weekend

A full series culminating in the Sandison Cup (Gala Long Distance) to Herne Bay and back.

Sandison Cup

Crews' & Ladies

Autumn Tradition

A unique event where crew helms and helm crews. Features the Foam Cup and Foam Goblet.

Foam Cups

Boxing Day Icicle

Festive Race

A quick 30-minute race, weather and crews permitting.

Icicle Tankard

Minnis Compass & The Eric Magee Legacy

The Minnis Compass is a general handicap race in a star pattern around three club buoys and the S. Margate. The trophy for this event honors Eric 'Mac' Magee, a doctor's son and founder-era member who served as our safety boatman for decades.

"Mac maintained our only safety boat—an Orkney 14' pine on oak—until the late 60s. He introduced the club to hot milk and rum for cold days, a tradition we still honor during our winter races."

Overall Cats/Dinghies

Derived from non-discarded results across all three series.

Jonah & St Elmo

Dedicated races for those seeking their first win of the season.