[C]ompetitive sailors from all over the region will be taking part in the Daffodil Regatta on the weekend of 14 & 15 April, Ullswater Yacht Club’s first major event in its 60th anniversary year.
It all started in 1958 when friends Harold Couzens and Joe Harrison, who both enjoyed spending time on the lake decided it would be a good idea for Ullswater to have its own club. They placed an advert in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald on March 4, 1958, inviting anyone interested to write to them.They were delighted with the response and eighty people turned up at the Queen’s Head, Tirril, on April 10, 1958, to officially form the Ullswater Motor Boat and Yacht Club.
The name was changed to Ullswater Yacht Club and it has developed over 60 years to become one of the premier sailing clubs in the country, winner of two Club of the Year Awards in 2017. This year a special calendar of events will mark the club’s Diamond Year with the Daffodil Regatta the first big open weekend of the season.
Joining the visitors, spectators and racers at the landmark event to help the club celebrate will be a special guest, herdy’s giant Great British erdyHerdy, a larger than life model Herdwick sheep. Lovable Lake District superbrand herdy was created by co-founders Diane and Spencer Hannah 10 years ago and will spread smiles and happiness across the event throughout the weekend as he watches the races along with other spectators and cheers the competitors on from the shore.
The Daffodil Regatta is open to all classes with racing split into two fleets. All fleets will sail seven races over the weekend with four taking place on Saturday and three on Sunday. Club racers will be joined by visitors from all over the county and beyond and the event is featured in the RS200 and Musto Skiff Travellers Calendar.
There’ll be daffodils galore at the prizegiving as UYC joins in Ullswater’s spring celebrations and Great British Herdy, will be bringing along special prizes for the fleet winners.
Diane Hannah said: “We’re really excited about the weekend of sailing and feel honoured to be asked to bring along herdy to join in the fun. We’ve worked hard to create a brand with real values and it is important to us to give back to herdy’s home as much as we can. Events like these are what Great British Herdy is made for and the kids just love him!”
UYC Commodore Rick Boyce added: “We are really looking forward to the first big event of our special year at UYC and delighted to welcome our first visitors – competitive racers and of course a giant sheep!”
More details about the Daffodil Regatta and other events at UYC in 2018 can be found on the club website at www.ullswateryachtclub.org