Poole Harbour Canoe Race 2025
DETAILS:
DATE: 20th September 2025
TIMINGS: 9:15 radio briefing for stake boats and Ribs
10:00-10:15 Ribs arrive to take LG Buoys to Arne, Balls Lake, Rockley beach and beach before Poole yacht club.
10:45 Stake boats on station
11:15 Ribs ready to shadow race to get to patrol zones
11:30 First race starts
VENUE: Lake Pier, Lake Drive, BH15 4LR.
DISTANCES:
There are three distances.
The 15 and 8 mile courses circumnavigate Brownsea island and involve large stretches of exposed open water.
The 4 mile course is run close to the shore with fewer hazards than the longer races.
Map of 15 mile, 8 mile, 4 mile Race Routes.
SAFETY NOTES
Winds of Force 5 Gusting 6, as seen within the harbour, are the race maximum but only for
Skis, Outriggers and Sea kayaks who declare their ability to remount or roll in those conditions.
The decision will be yours but at times we all fail a roll or a remount thus rescue RIBS will
patrol the course if you have over-estimated your abilities. Note that rescue may not be as
prompt as it would be in calm conditions.
Winds above Force 3 Gusting 4 will result in all boats (except Sea kayaks, Skis and
Outriggers) following a course along the shoreline where rescue resources can be
concentrated and self-rescue on the shore or from moored boats and buoys is possible.
Hazards within the harbour are numerous, Racing yachts, Jet skiers, Water skiers, mooring
lines, buoys and deep soft mud beneath the shallow water if trying to empty your boat.
Whistles and Mobile phones are strongly recommended to get help from the safety boats
patrolling the course.
RULES This is a non-ranking race. Standard rules in accordance with those of Paddle UK/BC Marathon Racing Committee plus these additional
NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES:
1) Buoyancy aids are compulsory for all competitors including SUP and Ski. No buoyancy aid = No start
2) Leashes for Skis and SUPs are also compulsory.
3) All boats must have sufficient secured buoyancy to be unsinkable and easily emptied by patrol boats. Airbags as well as centre foam pillar is required. Inadequate buoyancy = No start.
4) All competitors must check back in to race control if you retire. The patrol boats will not do it for you.
5) If not a PHCC member then either proof of Paddle UK/BC Membership or a£5 insurance day ticket is required.