“The Glastonbury of Sailing”

Photo credit : Tim Olin

Racing

The Birkett is ranked 8th in Yachts and Yachting’s top 50 'must do' sailing events. The event is contested over 2 all-class handicap races around the length of the lake. One race on Saturday and one on Sunday. Mass starts of over 200 boats followed by a 14 mile course in spectacular scenery and a festival atmosphere, make this a memorable experience that attracts people throughout the country, year after year.

Entry is open to monohull dinghies and keelboats less than 25ft 6inches overall length with a PYN rating below 1340.

As well as the prestigious Birkett Memorial Trophy, there are prizes for

  • the first 10 overall;

  • classes with 6 or more entries; and

  • other categories.

N.B. Entries close at midnight Sunday 29th June. Because of organisational demands no entries can be accepted after then.

Tents & Motorhomes

On site camping for tents and motorhomes is available for the nights of Friday 4th and Saturday 5th.

Also, should you have a long journey or would like to spend a long weekend at Ullswater, on-site camping for tents and small motorhomes less then 5m long is now available on Thursday and Sunday nights. Please note however, that the event itself does not open until Friday and closes on Sunday. Accordingly, no on-site bar or catering will be available before Friday pm and after Sunday afternoon. However, Pooley Bridge and other nearby villages, offer both.

Availability is limited and in strong demand on Friday and Saturday nights. Pre-booking (online here) is essential.

Entertainment

The ever popular Marquee with a bar provided by the Rolling Pub and Live Music is where the party happens on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Hospitality

In addition to the Marquee, the Clubhouse Bar will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Shappy Wheels Chip Van from the award winning Shap Chippy will be on site from on both Friday and Saturday offering Fish, Chips, Sausage, Halloumi, Kids Meals and a Selection of Sides.

New for 2025, the Aupa Street Food Van will also be on site on Saturday, serving Gourmet Burgers, Fries and Sides.

As usual, additional on site catering will also be available from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon

There will be more information here as 2025 arrangements are finalised.