Non-racers can also get a piece of the on-the-water action on a special three-hour Birkett Cruise organised by Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Passengers on the exclusive charter will board at Pooley Bridge Pier at noon on Saturday, July 6th, and the steamer will stand by off the UYC clubhouse so that they can experience the drama of the 1pm mass start by over 200 boats on a line which stretches the full width of the lake.

The steamer will cruise down the lake to Kailpot Crag and passengers can watch the boats sail past the plaque to Lord Birkett. The 62nd boat past the plaque will win the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Trophy.

Book for the Birkett Cruise direct with the steamer company at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/events/birkett-trophy-cruise tel. 017684 82229.