A regatta weekend of racing and an

anniversary party has been planned

forthe95thbirthdayoftheSolent

Sunbeam class over the weekend

of 26-27 May at Itchenor SC.

The three-man classic

keelboat was designed by Alfred

Westmacott in 1923 and the very

firstSunbeam–Dainty,No1–

is still raced along with several

boats built in the early 1920s.

Thirty-two Sunbeams sail from

Itchenor, ranging from 95 years

of age to new all-GRP and newly

epoxied yachts, all racing on

level terms in a one-design fleet;

theclasshasbeenastalwartof

Cowes Week for over 90 years.

Its enduring popularity is

summed up by long-time owner

Mike Williamson, who explains:

“Helming a Sunbeam is serendipity.

Youleaveallyourproblemsashore,

and surrender to the sensuous joy

of reacting to what she tells you.”

The celebration at Itchenor SC

will welcome regular, former and

prospective sailors, and members of

thesisterfleetbasedinFalmouth.

On both days taster sessions will

beavailablefrom3pm.Tofindout

more, email: [email protected]

CLASSES

Thornbury SC is set for an upgrade

following a donation from a local

housebuilder.

David Wilson Homes, whose Park

Farm development is nearby, has

donated £1,500 to the club on the

River Severn estuary, for either

clubhouse improvements or new

equipment to help those learning to sail

through its RYA training scheme.

Louise Ware, sales director at David

Wilson Homes, said: “Thornbury Sailing

Club does a fantastic job helping

people to enjoy the thrill of sailing and

we’re particularly proud of its work in

the community to get more young

people out on the water.”

Club member Rob Hudson added:

“We’re thrilled with the donation.

Usually we have to fund our projects

from fees so this will allow us to free up

that money for club improvements.”

Submit your news reports [email protected]

In our regular news section for club racers,Paula Irishputs the spotlight on to clubs

and classes, with a focus this month on regattas and anniversaries

CLUBS

NEWS

MARY PUDNEY

CLUBS & CLASSES

NEWS

Sunbeam class shines spotlight on 95th anniversary at Itchenor

Donation helps Thornbury SC sail the Severn

8686 Yachts & Yachting Apr il 2018 yachtsandyachting.co.uk