New Solent Sunbeam fit out by Haines

Published 14:51 on 16 Apr 2021

The Solent Sunbeam Class is excited to announce the latest addition to the fleet with the launch of V72, 'Serendipity' at Itchenor on the 30th March.

The latest addition to this 98 year old classic keelboat class is the eleventh GRP Solent Sunbeam to be launched and the ever-growing fleet, sailing from Itchenor Sailing Club, now comprises 23 traditional wooden boats and 10 GRP versions, all racing together on an equal basis.

The new owners are Adrian and Nikki Edwards from West Wittering. Nikki Edwards explained that she first saw a Solent Sunbeam whilst sailing in Chichester Harbour in 2020 with husband Adrian. A Sunbeam passed close-by and she was so captivated by the beautiful lines that she turned to Adrian and asked him if she could "have one of those please?".

After two trial sails the purchase was agreed, the hull was moulded on the Isle of Wight and she was finished and rigged by Haines Boatyard.

Adrian, as an experienced racer, is very much looking forward to the challenge of racing in this established and active fleet, having competed over the years in a variety of dinghies and keelboats, most recently sailing in the Victory Class in Portsmouth. Notably, the Victory Class is another local design which has also embraced wooden and GRP boats racing on an equal basis.