The Aldeburgh to Orford Fundraising Flotilla 2024

The route along the Alde and Ore Estuary is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Suffolk. We have taken the health and safety of participants very seriously in planning this event. The route will be in the direction of the tide to assist swimmers and paddlers, and has been designed to avoid areas of high risk (such as mud flats and eddies). All participants will be given a towable float and numbered, high visibility swimming cap to wear. The RNLI, safety kayakers and safety boats with trained medical volunteers onboard will accompany participants along the route, ready to provide assistance.

Participants are challenged to swim (or paddle board, kayak, row or canoe) a five-mile route along the beautiful Alde and Ore Estuary from Aldeburgh Yacht Club to Orford Sailing Club. There will be a selection of excellent refreshments to enjoy at Orford Sailing Club after the swim, and free transport back to Aldeburgh. We have previously held two flotillas that have been immensely enjoyable and challenging summer events, bringing together a community who are passionate about the outdoors!
Both elite and regular swimmers are invited to take part, though good health and familiarity with cold water swimming is encouraged for this lengthy route. There is a competitive aspect to the elite swimmers, who will be timed.

Swimmers provided with a numbered, high-visibility swimming cap and a towable swimming float.

Paddlers provided with a numbered baseball cap to be worn throughout the event.

Paddlers expected to provide support and act as safety vessels for swimmers if required.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible participating adult throughout the flotilla.

Good swimmers: 1.5 hours

Recreational swimmers: 2 hours +

Paddlers: 1 hour +

We encourage all participants to seek sponsorship, with a target of £250 from each of you or why not make it a group or family fundraiser. Your efforts will contribute to our fundraising goal of £40,000 from this event. We are delighted to have at least £20,000 in match-funding, so for this, we need your help. Your sponsorship and donations could be doubled. Please download the sponsorship form from our website or create your own Just Giving page through our campaign.

Cancellation Policy: In the unlikely event of cancellation due to bad weather or unsuitable conditions, entry fees will NOT be refunded. Your entry fee will be treated as a donation to The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust. Notification of cancellation will be sent via email by 4pm the day before.

Timings: Compulsory briefing for all participants at Aldeburgh Yacht Club at 8.30am on the day. All participants must set off by 9.30am at the latest for your safety and in consideration of other club events.

Refreshments: Hot drinks will be available for purchase at Aldeburgh Yacht Club before the start. Complimentary refreshments provided for all participants at the finish at Orford Sailing Club.

Transport: Safety boats and some volunteers' cars will be available to transport participants back to Aldeburgh Yacht Club after the event. If you would like to secure a spot, please let us know in advance.

Photography: Photographers will capture moments throughout the flotilla for marketing and press purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, do let us know.

Declaration: By signing up and paying your fee, you confirm your understanding of the terms and conditions. Make sure to read the documents available here.

If you have questions or wish to contribute as a business sponsor or volunteer, contact us at [email protected].

A big THANK YOU to all our sponsors and volunteer supporters for their generosity. Let's make this flotilla a resounding success!

Fair winds and following tides,

The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust