Braintree Sea Angling Club

Boat Match Rules 

1.       Entry to the match is upon payment of the entry fee (non returnable, except as per item 13) and submission of a completed and signed entry form.

2.       Boats must be of rigid construction with a minimum overall length of 14 foot.  The engine must be demonstrated to be fully functional at the time of the launch.

3.       Only competitors shall be allowed on the boat and there must be a minimum of two competitors on board.

4.       All boats are recommended by the organisers to carry safety equipment for all persons on board as specified in the seaway code.  As a minimum it is recommended that the boat should have the following on board:- VHF Radio, First Aid Kit, Tow-Line, Life Jackets and two in-date Distress Flares.

5.       As recommended by Harwich Haven Authority and the Coastguards boats should display a black ball when at anchor in accordance with Rule 30(a) of the International Collision Regulations.

6.       Each angler is permitted to use two rods with reel, line and trace attached.

7.       A maximum of four hooks between the two rods can be used.

8.       Minimum size limits for the match are per the NFSA size limits (available on request).

9.       Anglers attempting to weigh in undersized fish will be disqualified.

10.   Any dispute should be notified to the referee before the final presentation and accompanied by a £10 fee.  The fee will be refunded in full if the objection is upheld.  The referee’s decision is final.

11.   It is the responsibility of entrants to contact the match officials on the evening prior to the match to confirm that the match is proceeding (see 12 and 13 below).

12.  In the event of unfavourable weather forecasts the match officials may call for the match to be fished at Levington.

13.   In the event of the second match date having to be cancelled due to unfavourable weather forecasts then the match will be abandoned and all monies refunded minus a £2 administration fee.

14.   The starting point is anywhere upstream of the launch ramp.  No one is to progress towards the sea (past the launch ramp) until the start time confirmed by the referees.

15.   The fishing area is unrestricted.

16.   Last time for presenting fish at the weigh in will be published at registration.  No fish will be accepted after this time.

17.   In the unlikely event of no sizeable fish being caught on the day of the match the prize money will be raffled.  Each competitor will receive a separate raffle ticket on the day to cover this eventuality.

Notes:  A decision will be made by the match officials at 18:30 on the evening before the match to confirm that conditions are suitable to hold the match in the inshore waters. Match Official contact no. Les Fitch on 01376 347882