The spirit of the day was all about community, conservation, and some friendly competition. Beyond the excitement of the competition, the event served as a brilliant platform for teaching children about the coastline and the delicate habitats of our native crabs. Volunteers from Portchester Sailing Club and the Sea Angling Classic team were on hand throughout, sparking conversations about marine life and responsible angling practices. Parents and guardians were just as engaged, making it a truly great experience for all. Best of all, entry was completely free, with lines, buckets, and bait all provided by the Sea Angling Classic. In a nod to sustainability, all lines used were recycled for future use!
“It was wonderful to see so many children learning how to gently handle the crabs—many were trying something completely new and were so eager to get involved,” said Sophie Honey, Crabbies event organiser. “What made it even more special was seeing so many families stay on afterward to take part in the shoreline cleanup. The enthusiasm and care for our coast was truly inspiring.”
Capping off the day was a coastal clean-up in partnership with the Sea Angling Classic, Premier Marinas, and Veolia, which saw volunteers collect a staggering 92kg of litter from the surrounding area—helping to keep our seas cleaner and safer for marine life.
“It was fantastic for Premier Marinas to collaborate with Sea Angling Classic and Veolia on this important initiative to keep our coasts clean.” said Premier Marinas Marketing Manager Joseph Llewellyn “All three organisations have a strong commitment to maintaining and enriching the communities we serve. By joining forces, we were able to mobilise our teams to make a real impact along the shoreline at Portchester and ensure its long-term enjoyment for our berth holders and visitors alike”
From the record turnout to the impressive catches and the meaningful environmental impact, the Crabbies Competition was a true celebration of community, nature, and the joy of getting kids involved in the great outdoors.
The event was being run for free, with donation welcome in support of FreeSpirit. FreeSpirit is a new purpose-built community boat that will enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the ocean, recreational activities and engage in sustainable practices. The community will benefit through access to boat excursions which can address a wide range of mental health challenges through active participation informed by different therapies, tailored to individual and group needs to promote their wellbeing.
If you wish to take part in the Crabbies competition follow Sea Angling Classic on facebook or instagram or send an email to media@anglingspirit.com
