Be a part of "The Glastonbury of Sailing" 2025 - entries close soon
- annazykwork
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
The countdown is on to one the most iconic sailing events in Britain – the 63rd Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, taking place on 5–6 July 2025 at the breathtaking Ullswater in the Lake District. With over 170 boats already registered and entries closing strictly on 29th June, this is your call to action: don’t miss your chance to be part of this fantastic event!
Affectionately known as “The Glastonbury of Sailing”, the Birkett Trophy is a mass participation spectacle that sees over 200 boats launch for a two-race, long-distance pursuit across the full 7-mile stretch of Ullswater. It's one of the rare moments in the UK sailing calendar where dinghies and keelboats – including SB20s – share the same course in one enormous, high-octane start. For those who thrive on big-fleet drama and tactical racing in stunning surroundings, this is unmissable.
While classes like the RS200 (15 entries), RS400 (14) and Musto Skiff (11) are currently leading the pack, other keelboat classes are growing steadily. SB20 participation at the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy has historically been limited with one or two boats entering in previous years - such as SB20 3095, helmed by Peter Hewittson in 2019 and 3134 with Micky Early in a subsequent edition. In 2024 three SB20s took part, including 3305 of Rob Gascoigne representing the Elton Sailing Club and 3312 of Mike Kneale from Bala Sailing Club. 3310 was helmed by David Atkinson, with Roger Bacon and late John Outhwaite as crew members, representing Sunderland Yacht Club.
2025's participation is shaping up again with three SB20s confirmed: two boats from last year of Mike Kneale’s team from Bala SC (SB20 3312) and Rob Gascoigne’s crew from Elton SC (SB20 3305) with local Ullswater YC sailors Mark Brammer sailing with David Wilkinson and Adam Cleasby aboard GBR 3095. With just three more boats needed to qualify the SB20s for class prizes, now is the perfect moment for more teams to step in and help build a competitive fleet presence at this iconic regatta.
Catering
Beyond racing, Ullswater Yacht Club is laying on a weekend to remember. From Friday evening, sailors and spectators alike can enjoy freshly made Mexican food from Amigo’s, classic fish and chips from the Shappy Wheels Van, and the Clubhouse’s much-loved Pie & Peas (you can book here).
Bacon butties, sandwiches and snacks will keep you fuelled during the day, while Saturday night’s feast features street food favourites and a lively atmosphere under the marquee. Add live music and a lakeside sunset and you’ve got the perfect post-race unwind.
SailJuice Challenge
This year’s Birkett also marks the launch of the Sailjuice Summer Challenge, and coverage from Andy Rice and top sailing photographer Tim Olin means your team could be centre-stage in the UK sailing media – the perfect platform for showcasing the SB20 fleet.
The entry deadline is Sunday 29th June – there are no late entries.
Gather your crew, sign up and let's put the SB20s on the leaderboard!
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