One particularly special Solent Sunbeam award is named after Sunbeam Dainty (no. 1); it was brought into existence by the yacht’s former owner, Paul Brauner, who recognised the importance of combining good racing with fine wine and dining.
When Paul noticed a lower turnout for the annual cruise from Chichester for Cowes Week and no arrangements for dinner together that evening, he decided in 1971 to offer a new prize.
He bought an Armada Dish from the silver vaults in London (reputedly made from silver story from the Spanish Armada), called it the ‘Dainty Dish’ and made a deed of gift with the condition that it would be presented to the winner of a Solent passage race at a dinner, normally at Cowes, on the evening of the race.
The Dainty Dish trophy now has a special place in the Sunbeam Class and it encourages a good turn-out together with a most enjoyable dinner!
In 2018 the Dainty Dish race from Itchenor to Cowes is taking place on 21 July.