All set for the 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy
by Jack Allan 1 Jul 10:48 BST
4-5 July 2026
2025 Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
More than 200 boats, over 40 classes and competitors from across Britain will descend on Ullswater this weekend for one of the UK's most iconic sailing events.
The countdown is almost over.
This weekend, Ullswater Yacht Club will welcome a capacity fleet for the 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, with more than 200 boats representing over 40 classes travelling from clubs across England, Scotland and the Isle of Man to compete in Britain's most celebrated inland all class handicap race.
From International 14s, 49ers and Musto Skiffs to Flying Fifteens, Enterprises, GP14s, Tempests, VX Ones, SB20s, RS400s, Fireballs and cruising keelboats, few events anywhere in the UK bring together such a diverse mix of boats on one start line. It is that unique blend of elite performance sailing, club racing and enduring camaraderie that has helped establish the Birkett as the "Holy Grail" of inland sailing and, for many competitors, the "Glastonbury of Sailing".
First raced in 1963, the event was created in memory of Lord Norman Birkett, whose famous speech in the House of Lords helped save Ullswater from becoming a reservoir in the early 1960s. His efforts preserved the natural beauty of the lake for future generations and secured his place in both the history of Ullswater and the yacht club that proudly bears his legacy.
The sold-out race is another milestone for the volunteer-led event, becoming the earliest sell-out in the history of the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, which won the RYA Event of the Year in 2025 for Ullswater Yacht Club.
This year's race demonstrates the national appeal of the event, with competitors travelling from sailing clubs stretching from Hayling Island on the south coast to Largs in western Scotland, alongside strong contingents from Yorkshire, the Midlands, North Wales, Cumbria and the North East. Whether racing a modern skiff, classic dinghy, sportsboat or cruising keelboat, every competitor will share the same spectacular long distance race around one of Britain's most picturesque inland waters.
Away from the racing, competitors and supporters can look forward to a full weekend programme centred around the famous Birkett atmosphere. The clubhouse and on-site catering will be available throughout the weekend, while the ever-popular marquee will once again host live music on both Friday and Saturday evenings, providing the social occasion that has become synonymous with the Birkett experience.
This year's event will also celebrate an important piece of Birkett history with the official opening of the newly named Norman Birkett Bar. Victoria Cliff Hodges, granddaughter of Lord Norman Birkett, will attend as guest of honour, joining members and competitors for the ceremony following Saturday's racing.
The redesigned bar now features heritage displays, historical photography and a new Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Roll of Honour, celebrating every overall winner from the inaugural event in 1963 through to 2025.
Together they recognise the sailors, classes and clubs that have helped shape one of Britain's most prestigious sailing events over more than six decades.
Jack Allan, General Manager at Ullswater Yacht Club, said:
"We are incredibly excited to welcome competitors and volunteers to Ullswater for the 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy. The Birkett is unlike any other regatta on the sailing calendar. You have Olympic-inspired skiffs launching alongside classic dinghies, family crews, keelboats and national champions, all sharing the same race.
The fact that this year's regatta sold out earlier than ever before is a tremendous endorsement of the volunteers, members, sponsors and sailors who continue to make it so special. We can't wait to see the fleet back on Ullswater for what promises to be another memorable weekend of outstanding racing and first-class camaraderie."
John Robinson, President of Ullswater Yacht Club, said:
"The Birkett has a magic unlike anything else. Every sailor who has raced here understands why people keep coming back. The fact this year's event sold out earlier than ever before demonstrates just how special the Birkett has become and is a wonderful reflection of everyone who has helped build its reputation over so many years."
As the fleet prepares to launch onto Ullswater once again, another chapter is about to be written in the history of an event that continues to attract the very best of British inland sailing. For the hundreds of competitors making the journey this weekend, simply taking to the start line means becoming part of a story spanning more than six decades, made possible by generations of volunteers whose commitment continues to make one of Britain's greatest sailing events possible.
Looking ahead, the 65th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy will take place on 3-4 July 2027. Keep an eye out for further information as preparations begin for another memorable weekend of racing on Ullswater.