Classic keel boat available to borrow at Itchenor Sailing Club
by Rebecca Hele 21 Apr 2015 19:40 BST
21 April 2015
For many the chance to sail a classic boat is only a dream. Now this dream can come true as visiting sailors being are offered the opportunity to borrow a Swallow class racing keel boat for a day at Itchenor Sailing Club.
The Swallow was designed for the 1948 Olympic games and has been raced successfully ever since. There are over 30 Swallows based at Itchenor where racing is enjoyed each weekend of the season. Swallows have raced as a class at Cowes every year since their introduction.
The loan initiative is being sponsored by the National Swallow class in conjunction with the Itchenor class. They want to encourage new sailors to experience the thrill of sailing one of these classics in the beautiful surroundings of Chichester Harbour. Itchenor Sailing Club has access to the water at all states of the tide.
'Svala', Swallow number 89, will be available throughout the year on a daily basis to reveal the Swallow Racing Experience. There is a tradition that Swallows are named after birds and the name 'Svala' means Swallow in Swedish. However, a Swedish phrase book is not required but a contribution of £50 a day towards the year's running costs is requested.
Individuals or groups are welcome to contact Mike Wigmore at Itchenor Sailing Club () to arrange their day on the water. They will also be guests of the club so will also be able to sample the full range of on shore facilities at the unique listed clubhouse.