Solent Sunbeams hold open day at Itchenor Sailing Club, Saturday 18th May
by Solent Sunbeam class 2 May 2013 09:36 BST
18 May 2013
The Solent Sunbeams, a fleet of classic racing keelboats based at Itchenor Sailing Club near Chichester, are having an Open Day on Saturday 18th May 10am-5pm. Whether you are interested in crewing, owning, helming or generally finding out more about this friendly class and membership of Itchenor Sailing Club, come along from 10am. There is even an opportunity for you to sail on the day in the beautiful surroundings of Chichester Harbour.
A classic keelboat, the largest of the Alfred Westmacott designs, the Solent Sunbeams at Itchenor range from 90 years' old to the new all-GRP and newly epoxied yachts. They feature beautiful lines with great handling across the whole wind spectrum and offer highly competitive racing as a friendly small class. They race at Cowes for Classic Week and Cowes Week each year as well as in Chichester Harbour.
27 yachts are based at Itchenor, racing from March through to the end of October 3-4 times a week, and three more GRP hulls are to be made this year - so there are plenty of opportunities to get on the water.
The Sunbeams offer regular training mornings during the season and there is a busy and varied social calendar throughout the year, including beach barbeques, champagne cocktail parties and the ever-popular post racing tea on the lawn. For the 90th Anniversary this year there will also be a spectacular Ball for 300 guests.
The Open Day on Saturday 18th May will give anyone interested in joining an opportunity to meet the helms and crew, go out on the boats or just watch the action from the jetty or from a support boat. You will also have the chance to be shown round the facilities at the prestigious Grade II listed Clubhouse.
Please call to register your place as spaces are limited on 01243 512400. If you wish to sail please come with suitable clothes and footwear. Lifejackets can be provided.
More information about the Solent Sunbeams can be found at www.solentsunbeam.co.uk