Solent Sunbeams; surviving and thriving despite Covid-19
The historic Solent Sunbeam fleet, which boasts 97-year-old wooden keelboats through to brand-new GRP hulls, has experienced one of its best sailing seasons despite the shadow of Covid-19 and a late start to the season. The fleet has enjoyed some of its largest ever...
Itchenor Keelboat Week September 2020 – race report
Itchenor Keelboat Week - Day 1 Not for the first time this year the wind forecast was spot on with Windguru indicating a maximum of 7 knots for the first day of Itchenor Keelboat Week. Unfortunately, that occurred shortly after the start and the wind generally abated...
Race Report: Chisholm Trophy, August 2020
Day 1 Report Tuesday morning greeted an eager Sunbeam fleet with a cloudy sky and a hint of rain to come. Undeterred, 15 Sunbeams made their way to the start line just south of the Chalkdock bend with Betivuka stationed on the west side of the channel. The Swallows,...
“Chichester Harbour at its best” article in Harbour Life magazine
Please download and turn to pages 6-7 to read this article written by Sarah Johnson, our PR lady. Image is courtesy of Sue Kent. Chichester_Harbour_News_July_2020
Chittagong Cup Race Report, July 2020
Nick Leach, Class Captain, has written this report. The racing season finally got underway with the series of races for the Chittagong Cup. On the first day, Tuesday 21 July, a beautiful summer’s morning greeted the 14 Sunbeams who decided to start the first of the...
Test racing has started!
Ten Sunbeams crossed the start line on Sunday in ISC's first test racing event. All crews were of course from single households and a great time was had by all, sailing in lovely conditions! V26 Danny had a battle with V41 Fleury round the course, followed by V14...
Calling all Solent Sunbeam owners past and present – your input and photos are needed!
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...
Sunbeams in “Wooden Boat” magazine
The digital edition of Wooden Boat No. 274 (May/June 2020) is free for all to read and enjoy! Includes “The Sunbeams of England” by Nigel Sharp with impressive photos. Visit: here
New publication: The Story of the GRP Solent Sunbeams
Roger Wickens, owner of Solent Sunbeam V26 Danny, who is a keen enthusiast of this historic yacht as well a highly successful helm, has published an informative illustrated account of the story behind the GRP Solent Sunbeams. Read it here: The Story of GRP Solent...
The wonderful world of Alfred Westmacott – Classic Boat, 1995
The pre-war designer Alfred Westmacott is today remembered for his dayboats, the X boat, the Seaview Mermaid and the Sunbeam. But his yard, Woodnutts at Bembridge, turned out a string of sensibly-designed and soundly-built craft which included electric and steam...