The 64th Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy saw a spectacular weekend of sailing at Ullswater Yacht Club, with a record sell-out fleet, outstanding racing and a celebration of one of Britain’s most iconic sailing events.
The event, which continues to attract sailors from across the UK to the Lake District each summer, reached its maximum capacity of 230 entries in record time.
Saturday’s opening race began in true Birkett fashion. Following several start attempts, the fleet finally got away to provide the spectacular sight that has become synonymous with the event as more than 200 boats headed south towards Norfolk Island.
Guests aboard the Birkett Steamer, operated by Ullswater ‘Steamers’, enjoyed a front-row view of the action, following the fleet as far as Birkett Crag before counting the symbolic 64th boat to pass, awarding the traditional Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Trophy.
The first boat home was the Ullswater Yacht Club 49er sailed by Matty Lyons and James Lyons.
With varying wind strengths along the length of the lake, the fleet compressed dramatically, creating close racing throughout the field and an exciting finish as boats crossed the line in quick succession.
Once corrected times had been calculated, impressive performances from throughout the fleet saw the Wayfarer sailed by Louise McKeand and Nigel Hall, together with junior sailor Marcia Shelley crewing a 2000, feature among the leading positions after the opening day.
Following Saturday’s racing, competitors and visitors gathered to celebrate another important milestone in the event’s history with the official opening of the newly named Norman Birkett Bar.
The ceremony was led by Ullswater Yacht Club President John Robinson, alongside special guests Victoria Cliff Hodges, granddaughter of Lord Norman Birkett, with family members Marcus and Finn.
The newly named bar celebrates the remarkable legacy of the man whose intervention helped preserve public access to Ullswater and whose name has become synonymous with one of Britain’s premier sailing events.
The venue now features heritage displays, historical photography and the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Roll of Honour, recognising every overall winner since the inaugural event in 1963.
