Lockdown can’t stop Sunbeams sailing on
The historic so lent sun beam fleet, which boasts97-y earold wooden keel boats through to brand-new GRP hulls, has experienced one of its best sailing seasons – despite the shadow of Covid-19 andalate start to the season.
The fleet has enjoyed some of its largest turnouts at its Covid-secure racing events as well as the extra bonus of new family groups spending quality time together on Chichester Harbour.
As soon as l ockdown rules started easing in June, a number of enthusiastic Sunbeam owners took part in the test races put on by Itchenor Sailing Club, with ten Sunbeams crossing the line at the first event.
At the time all crews had to befromsingle households so it was agreed no spinnakers would be flown to accommodate some of the less experienced teams.
The class were able to restart their Thursdayevening informal racing programme although post-racing socials had to be avoided.
By July, the season was fully under way with new guidelines, including mixed households and socially distanced sailing, and the Sunbeams experienced some of their biggest number of entrants for their re-scheduled Chittagong Cup.
The 19 boats enjoyed Chichester Harbour racing at its best with steady winds, challenging tides and very tight competition. Theseries was won by V41 Fleury with V26 Danny in second place.
August saw the rescheduled Chisholm trophy regatta attract 20 Sunbeams for a two-day event.
The newly named Itchen or keel boat week( formerly Points Week) was held in September, rather than its customary Junedate, and20 Sunbeams competed.
Extremely tight racing onthe water wasreflected in very close final scores with V41 Fleury winning the regatta with the 97-year-old, V1 Dainty runner up.
Read more from the so lent Sunbeams next week.