63rd Lord Birkett Trophy Regatta at Ullswater YC, 04-06 July 2025
Published 14:36 on 29 Jul 2025
Surrounded by the dramatic mountains of north Cumbria, Ullswater is arguably the most beautiful lake in the Lake District and the second largest in England at almost 9 miles long.
Ullswater Yacht Club is the home of the annual Lord Birkett Trophy Regatta and this years' entry saw 230 boats from 63 different classes assembled on the one start line for both days. The single-lap handicap course from the club down to Norfolk Island and back again totals 14 miles (more when factoring in the predominantly windward legs) and is a tough test of racing skill, stamina and endurance for every competitor.
South Cerney SC were well represented this year with headline event sponsors Magic Marine and two boats: 29er 2696 (Monty Hampton & Ava Roberts) and Scorpion 2001 (Graeme Bristow & Malcolm James). Mixed fortunes and admin issues unfortunately prevented Monty and Ava from securing their deserved result, but Zephyr's scratch crew achieved good consistency to finish in 48th place overall.
Full results and reports (including some spectacular photos of International 14s from Tim Olin) are accessible through the following links:
https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/288036/Gold-star-for-Wilsons-National-18-at-the-Birkett
https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/287995/The-Lord-Birkett-from-the-deck-of-an-I14
Many thanks to George Kingsnorth. Simon & Claire Lovesey for their support over the weekend, especially the sale of their last Magic Marine dry robe fleece. Weather in the Lake District is apt to change at short notice but I never expected to buy one of these in mid-summer to keep warm and dry!
Despite the 500-mile round trip this was a truly memorable event and one that should be on every sailor's 'bucket list'; it's been on mine for decades btw. Let's go back with more South Cerney SC boats next year for the 64th Lord Birkett Trophy.
Malcolm James
Last updated 14:37 on 29 July 2025