Classic and Vintage dinghy celebrations

by Louise Walker on 1 Sep 2012 This weekend in the leafy reaches of the Upper Thames, International 14s from the 1930s to the 1980’s will gather to compete for historic trophies.

All are here for great sailing, from a venue that dates back to 1884, which has its own unique position in history of sailing. As well as hosting the 14’s, the club is home to an A-rater fleet with boats from early 1900’s, early Firefly’s as well as some early era and beautifully maintained Merlin Rockets.

The 14’s will include pre-war Uffa Fox designs which broke the mould – John Watling’s Tiercel from 1936 will compete for her original owners’s trophy – the Scott Freeman Trophy.

Tiercel and the painstakingly restored Sayonara are deep-Veed hulls, built with awe inspiring ribs in Uffa Fox’s floating bridge workshop in East Cowes. Tiercel was built for the river, with uncharacteristically low freeboard, prompting the 14’s to adopt a 'rise of floor' rule to prevent a surge of sea-going boats built that might be swamped.

Other notable designers are represented – 'Clarence' Farrar’s 1956 Stormcloud will be on the water, one of his boats that followed his notable 'Thunderbolt' which was influential in the design of the International 505 with flared topsides; a design that prompted the class to adopt a maximum beam.

Bruce Kirby – the first dominant overseas designer to make inroads in the UK fleet, and the renowned Canadian designer of the Laser - will have several designs present; this was the era of a single trapeze and thankfully the beginnings of oversize transom draining holes. Alongside the renowned and International figures, 'Brown Trousers' will be on the water, a boat designed by long standing Upper Thames member Ray Rouse more than 30 years ago.

Local sailor and boat builder Lawrie Smart will be on the water, reunited with own 1972 built 'Snoggledog', which was Phil Morrison’s first International 14 design. Distinctive in its move to 'U-shaped hull section and the use of a hard chine, this boat challenged the established moulded wooden hulls of the 60s and was considered revolutionary by many. There’s no wiki entry for a snoggledog, essential to builders worldwide, so the term will remain with those who know.

On Sunday, a recently restored 1971 I14 will be on her maiden voyage; keenly anticipated, we await the grand unveiling.

For all the history and development, the racing will be close fought on a level rating basis in the testing and entertaining river conditions. All are there for the love of beautifully designed, individual boats each with a legacy to enjoy at every moment.

Owning and sailing classic dinghies is a pleasure – touch base and join the Classic and Vintage 14 Open Meeting team at Upper Thames Sailing Club this weekend.

Upper Thames Sailing Club website