The Salcombe Festival presented its first Classic Keelboat Regatta in 2009; over half a century since these wonderful boats last competed in the estuary. The event was a trial, and it worked joyfully in association with The British Classic Yacht Club.
We are delighted to welcome a larger fleet back this year, together with classic
/ vintage Fireflies, National 12s, Yawls and a 'Menagerie' of other fine dinghies.
Pictures
courtesy of Duchie Dunne and Kathy Mansfield
The Salcombe Classic Open Keel Boat Regatta
In conjunction with the Salcombe Festival and the Salcombe Yacht Club, the British Classic Yacht Club has the pleasure to organize a regatta, specialized in the type of boats that were plentiful half a century ago and have diminished in numbers since, when cheaper plastic alternatives replaced them from the 1970’s onwards.
The Open Keel Boats were once the backbone of sailing clubs across the country. Many clubs around the coast of Britain had commissioned the best yacht designer to draw open keel boats especially for their local conditions and for 2 or 3 people to race competitively. Famous designers like William Fife; Charles Nicholson; Laurent Giles; Mc Gruer; Morgan Giles have drawn remarkable little boats. Further a field, mainly in the Baltic Countries, you’ll find top designers like Bjarne Aas; Tore Holm; Gustav Estlander; August Plym; Knut Reimers and Johan Anker.
Many Open Keel Boats are still competing now. Classes like the 15-
Not everywhere have numbers gone down, some classes even see new boats emerge. Sometimes entire fleets have moved to new ports. Others have not survived the times as a class, only individual boats have remained, and some made it into a One Design Class.
It is the organizers aim to get these very different and interesting boats to sail together in the most beautiful surroundings of the South Coast of England. Salcombe is the perfect location for this gentle niche in yachting to develop. Not too big to flood the place with compulsory beer tents and not too small to be overlooked. It is the yachts proportions and style that makes Salcombe the ideal location to hold this regatta.
I am grateful to the Salcombe Festival to incorporate us in their organisation and for the Salcombe Yacht Club to cooperate to help make this Regatta a success.
Cornelius van Rijckevorsel
Vice-
The Salcombe Festival Classic Regatta
10th – 12th June 2011
with
The Salcombe Yacht Club (SYC)
In conjunction with
The British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC)
Programme
Thursday 9th June
PM Visiting Boats Arrive.
1800hrs.
Briefing at Salcombe Yacht Club (SYC)
Friday 10th June
June 1100hrs
First Race under BCYC burgee
Start from SYC line.
1400hrs
Second Race
Start from SYC line
Saturday 11th June
1100hrs Third Race – Under burgee of SYC.
Start from SYC line.
1430hrs
Fourth Race
Under burgee of the SYC.
Start from SYC line.
1830HRS
The Bang & Go Back Race
1900hrs
Salcombe Festival Reception for Visiting Boats at The Harbour Hotel, Salcombe, in conjunction with the British Classic Yacht Club.
Sunday 12th June
1000hrs.
Fifth Race
Start from SYC line under burgee of BCYC.
Sixth Race – Start from SYC line immediately after the last boat finishes from the Fifth Race.
To be complete by 1300hrs;
1330hrs
Salcombe Estuary Rowing Club Gig Regatta begins.
Start from the SYC line
1400hrs
Approximate Start of Festival Regatta Prize Giving at The Salcombe Yacht Club.
Racing in the 1951 Salcombe Regatta, Salcombe resident Duchie Dunne has fond memories
of the A14 called "Atalanta" ,which was owned by her parents, who are 'on board '
in this picture........
............. How wonderful then to see these beautiful boats back in the estuary!