“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. Competitors contest the Trophy (or perhaps just enjoy the experience) over two 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 event for entrants who return 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. Late entries cannot be accepted due to administrative pressures.
Leading international supplier of sailing gear and accessories, Magic Marine and TRIGGERNAUT Sports Glasses, will again sponsor the event and
provide additional prize vouchers;
have a pop-up store on site; and
offer entrants discounts on both on-line and on-site purchases of sailing gear, accessories and sports glasses.
Tents & Motorhomes
On site camping for tents and motorhomes is available for the nights of Friday 4th and Saturday 5th.
Availability for motorhomes is limited and in strong demand on Friday and Saturday nights. Pre-booking (online here) is essential.
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 than 5m long) is also now available on the Thursday and Sunday nights.
Please note though that the event does not open until Friday and closes on Sunday.
Accordingly, no on-site bar and catering will be available before Friday afternoon and after Sunday afternoon.
However, Pooley Bridge, other nearby villages and Penrith which is a 10 minute drive away, offer both.
Entertainment
The ever popular Marquee with a bar provided by the Rolling Pub and Live Music is where the party happens on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Hospitality
As well as 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, “the Tea Room” providing snacks and cakes, will be available from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon
There will be more information here as 2025 arrangements are finalised.
