With the centenary of the legendary Sunbeam keelboat fast approaching in 2023, the Association of this Itchenor-based fleet is keen to update the history and ownership of each of these classic boats with a view to some form of publication for the 100th event.
Back in 2005, owner of Sunbeam V1, Dainty, Peter Nicholson published the stunning book, “The Brilliance of Sunbeams”, with a comprehensive boat index as an appendix. This gave a potted history of this handsome, historic fleet.
In advance of the Sunbeam’s centenary, the Class Association is asking anyone who has sailed a Sunbeam, past or present, to contribute their story in order to update the history in order to update the story of this popular and enduring keelboat.
The Association is looking for historic photos, anecdotes, stories, restorations, regatta wins as well as details of the current and previous owners.
For further information on how to contribute to the Sunbeam story and details of how to access this new “Boatology”, please contact Simon O’Hea via our contact page.
In normal times, the 97-year-old Solent Sunbeam keelboat fleet, based at Itchenor Sailing Club, offers competitive and extremely sociable racing throughout the season including weekend regattas, relaxed Thursday evening harbour racing as well as week-long racing events.
Over 30 Solent Sunbeam keelboats regularly sail from Itchenor ranging from 97 years in age to brand new, recently-launched GRP boats. The class is extremely welcoming and sociable with very supportive owners who have a common passion for the design, heritage and sportsmanship of the fleet.