About

About the Roach Sailing Association

The Roach Sailing Association is a friendly, volunteer-run club based on the River Roach. We welcome cruisers and dinghies alike, hosting regular races, cruises, and social events throughout the year—celebrating sailing, community spirit, and a love for the water.

History

Founded in the 1960s, the Roach Sailing Association began as a small group of local sailors exploring the Essex rivers. Over the decades, it’s grown into a close-knit community, preserving traditional seamanship and fostering a shared passion for sailing adventures.

River Roach

The River Roach is a quiet, tidal river branching from the River Crouch in Essex. Surrounded by saltmarsh and wildlife, it offers peaceful sailing, rich history, and scenic moorings. It’s the heart of the Roach Sailing Association’s cruising and racing waters.

Paglesham

Paglesham, a charming riverside village on the River Roach, is steeped in maritime history. Its sheltered waters and tidal creeks provide ideal conditions for sailing. Home to traditional boats and active moorings, it’s a peaceful haven for local cruising and adventure.

Racing

Roach Sailing Association’s racing blends tradition, challenging River Roach tides and mudbanks. Mixed dinghy‑cruiser fleets, handicap scoring and lively après‑sail socials foster friendly competition, skill growth and community spirit.

Cruising

RSA’s organised cruises include the flagship East Coast Cruise, threading Essex and Suffolk rivers, plus a summer flotilla to watch the Clacton Airshow from the water—relaxed, tide‑aware passages fostering navigational confidence.

Social

RSA’s social scene spans riverside pub evenings after raft‑ups, winter work‑party pints, and the showpiece End‑of‑Season Lay‑Up Dinner—awards, stories, dancing—keeping camaraderie flowing year‑round ashore, regardless of weather or tide..

Who We Are & Where We Sail

Nestled along the quiet creeks and winding inlets of the Essex coast, the Roach Sailing Association brings together a friendly community of sailors with a shared passion for traditional seamanship, river sailing, and the unique beauty of the River Roach and its surrounding waters.

Founded by a small group of like-minded enthusiasts, the RSA has grown into a vibrant local sailing association that celebrates both the sport and the spirit of sailing.

Whether navigating the tides aboard classic wooden boats or enjoying a relaxed cruise to nearby anchorages, our members are united by a love for the river, its heritage, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a welcoming and active club.

Our Story & Traditions

The Roach Sailing Association traces its origins back to the late 20th century, when a handful of passionate boat owners and local sailors began informally gathering to share stories, advice, and the occasional mug of tea (or something stronger) along the banks of the Roach.

What began as casual riverbank camaraderie soon evolved into an organised group with a shared desire to preserve the character of traditional East Coast sailing and promote enjoyment of the area’s tidal waterways.

Over the decades, the RSA has hosted countless races, cruises, and social gatherings—becoming not only a steward of local maritime traditions but also a hub for friendship, knowledge-sharing, and unforgettable days afloat. Today, we proudly maintain that same spirit of community and adventure that sparked our formation.

What We Do Today

The RSA remains a thriving, inclusive club with an active calendar of events that reflect the rich character of life on the river. Our members take part in regular sailing races—some competitive, some delightfully casual—as well as relaxed cruising days that explore the local estuaries and further afield waters. Beyond the tides, we host a number of well-loved social gatherings, from riverside picnics to winter suppers and photo nights.

We also run an informal newsletter and are working to bring more real-time updates and member contributions through our website. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor with decades under your keel or a newcomer keen to learn the ropes, the RSA offers a welcoming space to connect, participate, and share in the joys of small-boat sailing.

Newsletter

Sailing on the Roach

At the heart of the RSA is our love of sailing—whether that means the thrill of a race or the calm of a cruising day. Our race calendar includes a mix of informal river races and more organised events, all shaped by the rhythm of the tides and the quirks of our winding local waters. Cruising plays an equally important role, offering members the chance to explore the wider Crouch and Roach estuaries together in company, often with a shared meal or anchor stop along the way. It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to enjoy the river, sharpen your skills, and make memories on the water.

Sailing Events

Social Life & Traditions

RSA’s social calendar is every bit as valued as our sailing programme, with regular get-together that keep the community spirit alive both on and off the water. From pub nights and winter photo evenings to casual riverside picnics, these events are a chance to swap stories, share tips, and enjoy the company of fellow sailors. The highlight of the season is our much-loved Steak and Oysters Raft-Up, a floating feast that marks the end of the year in true Roach style—good food, great company, and boats rafted together under a setting sun.

Social Events

RSA President

Meet our RSA president – 2024 to Present

As President of the Roach Sailing Association, I’m incredibly proud of the vibrant and welcoming community we’ve built here on the River Roach. What makes the RSA truly special isn’t just the beautiful waters we sail or the rich maritime history we share—it’s the people. From our seasoned cruisers to our eager new members, the spirit of camaraderie, mutual support, and pure love of sailing runs deep.