Windermere 17ft Race Week at Royal Windermere Yacht Club - Preview
by Chris Ducker 18 Jul 2014 23:06 NZST
21-25 July 2014
Windermere 17ft Yachts racing in the Lake District © David Hickes / Hickespixonline
Dating back to 1904 and exclusively raced at Royal Windermere Yacht Club, the only inland Royal club in the country, the Windermere 17ft class yacht is an iconic sight on the Lake. Many say, when the yachts are out sailing it contributes to the unique beauty of the Lake District scenery.
The racing fleet range from those built as early as 1934 to the latest, which was built only a couple of years ago. The 30 strong active fleet regularly have numbers in the mid to late teens out on the water racing. Competition is strong, with the fleet racing all together for an overall winner of the day, who receives a trophy for each race sailed.
In addition there is also trophies to be won by the classic fleet winners, which are for yachts predating 1962. The extensive trophy collection includes many fine pieces reflecting the history of the club, one such is a replica of the Americas Cup.
The yachts, which have a water line length of 17ft and an overall length of 25ft 6in, carry large main sails and drive to windward like the best of classic yachts. Ian Howlett, who has designed many of the modern yachts, rates them as one of his favourite to sail. With white sails only, they are particularly suited to the varying conditions of lake Windermere.
Racing is mainly on Saturdays with the addition of three race weeks throughout the Spring and Summer. Next week is the second race week of the season and on one of the days a long distance around the Lake is held, which is approximately 16 miles long.
There are usually one or two yachts available for purchase and in ownership you become part of the history of the club, which is recorded and published in the anniversary books, which tell the history of the yachts and the fleet activity.
For those interested in a sail or even potentially becoming a member and racing, just drop into the club or call and the Fleet Captain or one the Flag Officers would be delighted to see what could be arranged. Lets hope for great winds next week.
www.royal-windermere.co.uk