The ever-growing Solent Sunbeam Class based at Itchenor Sailing Club is looking forward to an action-packed year, the highlight of which is the Centenary Regatta which is to be marked by events in Chichester Harbour from the 7-9th June.
This pretty, classic, three-man keelboat was designed by Alfred Westmacott in 1923 and has been racing continuously for 100 years except for the war years. The very first Sunbeam - ' Dainty', No. 1 - is still actively raced today from the Class's base at Itchenor Sailing Club. 'Dainty' has recently been nominated in the 'Centenarian of the Year' Category in the 2023 Classic Boat Awards.
The enthusiasm shown by the owners of these little yachts is remarkable. 'Dainty' has been owned by Bosham resident Peter Nicholson since 1971 and has competed in x Cowes Weeks. After 100 years the Class shows no signs of slowing down. Up to 40 boats are expected to compete at the Centenary regatta with some boats travelling from Cornwall where its sister Class - the Falmouth Sunbeam - is based.
Regular racing is highly competitive with no restrictions for tides on most weekends and Thursday evenings from March to October.
"The boats are awesome - the class's best asset is that in light airs it is just amazing. Sunbeams behave as a boat should", Julian Hawe, yacht skipper and Sunbeam crew.
Alongside regular racing in beautiful Chichester harbour, Sunbeams race at Cowes Classic Week and Cowes Week.
We look forward to welcoming many regular sailors at the Centenary Regatta, as well as former and prospective sailors, and members of the sister fleet based in Falmouth.
Further information about the Class can be found at solentsunbeam.co.uk
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