Fifty Years On: Marbleheads Return to Fleetwood
by Nigel Barrow 25 Sep 06:52 BST
25-27 September 2026
Celebrating 50 years since the first Fleetwood Marblehead Nationals © Nigel Barrow
Fleetwood is preparing for a very special weekend as the Marblehead fleet gathers to celebrate 50 years since the first Fleetwood Marblehead National Championship.
Fleetwood has staged many major Marblehead championships over the years, but this one feels different.
The target was an appropriately ambitious one: 50 Marbleheads for the 50th anniversary.
Behind that simple idea has been an enormous amount of work by Derek Priestley and Fleetwood Model Yacht Club. Owners have been contacted and encouraged to dust off their boats and join the celebration, while boats have also been found for sailors keen to take part who no longer have a Marblehead of their own.
It is a tremendous effort to bring together a fleet worthy of the occasion and a fitting way to celebrate five decades of Marblehead racing at one of Britain's most famous model-yachting venues.
Fleetwood ready for racing
By Thursday evening everything was taking shape. Fleetwood was looking at its best in the sunshine, with the wind blowing straight down the lake. Even the famous lake itself was receiving some last-minute attention: the pump had been running throughout the afternoon beneath the bridge, ensuring the water was topped right up and ready for those deep Marblehead keels.
The forecast for Friday promises winds down the lake of around 5 to 12 mph, potentially providing excellent conditions for the opening day's racing.
And there should be no shortage of competition. Some of the leading Marblehead skippers are in town, while this weekend isn't only about today's fastest boats. There are prizes for owners racing classic designs too, ensuring the celebration reflects the extraordinary development of the Marblehead over the past half-century.
Fifty years of development
Inside the clubhouse, some fascinating pieces of Marblehead history help tell that story.
Among the exhibits is the first Marblehead to carry a swing rig, designed by Roger Stollery, together with the first commercially produced Marblehead. See the accompanying photographs for more details.
That combination of old and new is really what this weekend is about: celebrating the boats, the designers and sailors who shaped the class, while still enjoying the intensely competitive racing that makes the modern Marblehead such an exhilarating yacht to sail.
And this is Fleetwood, so the entertainment won't finish when the boats come off the water.
Saturday evening brings a barbecue, followed, naturally, by one of Derek Priestley's famous quizzes, this time concentrating on Marblehead history.
Fifty years after that first Fleetwood Marblehead National Championship, the boats and sailors are gathering once again.
The lake is full, the fleet is assembling and Fleetwood is ready. Let the celebration, and the racing, begin.
Entry information is available through the MYA Racing Calendar.
Results and event updates will be available through Facebook at MYA Downwind and the Fleetwood Model Yacht Club.