NECRA - The North East Cruiser Racing Association organises a programme of inter-club yacht racing, cruising and associated social events for keel boats on the North East coast of England. Formed in 1965, it organises a yearly programme of events for yachtsmen. The racing programme is a mix of offshore, coastal and regatta events. The cruising programme gives non racing yachts the opportunity to join the racers at social events in the participating yacht clubs as well as encouraging them to join with other like minded yachtsmen at other venues.
The association was formed "to promote and assist cruiser sailing on the North East coast and to promote a series of races",
organising racing, moorings, social events and catering. NECRA now include the Yacht Clubs of Scarborough, Whitby, Hartlepool,
Sunderland, Royal Northumberland, Coquet and Tynemouth Sailing Club.
Application for membership from owners currently belonging to yacht clubs in the area who wish to participate in NECRA events are welcomed. An invitation is especially extended to any cruising yachtsmen who are in the area, to visit the yacht clubs, meet members and take part in any of the social activities. Visitors can compete in an event if they are members of an RYA affiliated club and have race insurance. Contact the Hon Sec for temporary membership and yacht rating.
NECRA developed its own rating rule to enable yachts (particularly small ones) to take part in racing without necessarily going to the expense of obtaining an IRC certificate. The North East Racing Rule (NERR) is now an independent body that provides ratings used by almost all of the North East Yacht Clubs. NERR maintain and develop the formula which is used to provide ratings for all of the local yachts. It has its own committee consisting of measurers from the associated clubs, together with a chairman, and a handicapper to directly provide owners with details of boats and ratings.
