Lapwing Championship 2023 at Aldeburgh Yacht Club

Lapwing Championship 2023 at Aldeburgh © David Bruin

The Aldeburgh Lapwing is a one-design clinker built boat designed in 1947 by Francis Morgan-Giles, being one of 12 classes he designed for specific yacht clubs. 70 years later over 20 boats remain in a sailable condition with several having been restored in the last few years.

Understandably the forecast of 20+ knot winds deterred a number of potential entries from the annual championships over the weekend, but nine boats entered.

The sailing programme was adapted by our OOD, John Chalker, to take account of predicted favourable weather windows and all four races were sailed in fairly strong winds.

Three of the boats were sailed singlehandedly and the debate as to whether this gives an advantage was inconclusive. Ian Robson won the first three races convincingly and sat out the last race. However the other two single-crewed boats both capsized during the weekend - a race ending event as Morgan-Giles did not invent the self-bailer!

The race for second place was closely fought with Rob Ritchie and Robin Alexander match racing each other in the final race. In the end Robin won the last race by a few boat lengths to claim second place with Rob in third.

The next event for the Lapwings is the Aldeburgh Regatta from 13th-18th August and hopefully lighter winds will encourage more boats to take part.

Overall Results:

Lapwing Championship 2023 at Aldeburgh - photo © Ian Robson