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 The Society formed in 1971 has its headquarters on the waterfront at
Brightlingsea in the Aldous Heritage Dock. Over the years many of the smacks have
been restored on that same slipway, so maintaining the link between Brightlingsea and its
maritime past. The smacks can be seen at all times of the year, on their moorings by
the dock, being restored on the slipway, or sailing in the estuary. Membership is actively
encouraged with members receiving the quarterly newsletter, and can then take part in the
activities arranged throughout the year, which includes a sail and picnic, filmshows,
shanty evenings, meetings and hands on restoration work!. Smack racing on the Colne can be
traced back to the late 18th Century, the heyday was from 1880 to 1914. There was racing
again between the wars. Then in 1971 that the Colne Smack Preservation
Society was formed and held a race the following year which has become an annual event and
soon included Thames Barges. The race has gone from strength to strength to become
and important and unique occasion which celebrated its Silver Jubilee year in 1997. It is
a magnificent sight to see twenty smacks and a dozen barges head out of the mouth of the
Colne, usually the second Saturday in September, towards Clacton on sea.
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