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Sunbeam

Sunbeam

The Solent Sunbeam - a classic keelboat with great performance

Few of today's one design classes are as long-lived or as successful as the Sunbeam, still racing hard after ninety-five years. Solent Sunbeams enjoy close competitive racing in Chichester harbour and in the Solent.

The key attributes of a Solent Sunbeam:

  • A classic keelboat, the largest of the Alfred Westmacott designs, the Solent Sunbeams at Itchenor range from 95 years of age to new all-GRP and newly epoxied yachts, yet all racing on level terms.
  • Highly competitive regular racing in a one-design fleet with no restrictions for tides on most weekends and Thursday evenings from March to October.
  • Beautiful lines with great handling across the whole wind spectrum.
  • Often just one crew member needed in boats that are suited to both men and women.
  • A well-organised crew/helm request system as well as training sessions and a welcoming attitude to new sailors.
  • Annual racing at Cowes Classic Week and Cowes Week with passage races
  • Sheltered moorings in beautiful Chichester harbour.
  • Great camaraderie and community spirit in the Class and Club with many social events.

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