Get Up Close to the 60th Annual Birkett Trophy Yacht Race Onboard an Exclusive Spectator Cruise

From national champions to novices – Sailors from across the country will descend on Ullswater next month for the 60th annual Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Yacht Race, one of the most spectacular sailing events in the North.

Held to commemorate the ‘Lakes’ Great Advocate’, Lord William Norman Birkett, the Ullswater Yacht Club is planning exciting diamond celebrations for this prestigious action-packed event, which is rated number eight in the top 50 ‘must do’ sailing regattas.

Taking place over the weekend of 2 and 3 July, more than 200 different types of sailing boats will kick off each day with a dramatic mass start at 1pm before racing the full length of Ullswater and back, as they battle it out to take home the prestigious Birkett silver trophy.

You can get a piece of the action onboard a special ‘Birkett Trophy Cruise’ chartered by Ullswater ‘Steamers’.

The three-hour exclusive charter leaves Pooley Bridge Pier at 12pm on Saturday 2 July, and includes an up-close viewing of the mass start where guests can experience all of the on-water excitement, plus onboard commentary from members of the UYC as the cruise follows the dramatic race down the lake.

Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing, Ullswater ‘Steamers’, says, “The Birkett Trophy Cup is the biggest event of its kind in the North of England, and this cruise offers unparalleled viewing of the race. A great day out for families and friends, there is no better spot to get a slice of the action than from on the water, as you watch boats of all sizes and skill battle it out.”

Secure your tickets online: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/ events/birkett-trophy-cruise.

Visitors to Ullswater owe a huge debt of gratitude to Lord Birkett, who was the 1st Baron Birkett of Ulverston, born in the town in 1883.

A devoted Cumbrian, it was his role in the House of Lords which helped saved the stunning Ullswater for future generations, after the Manchester Corporation Waterworks Department promoted a parliamentary bill to turn it into a reservoir.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of his heartfelt speech in the House of Lords, which condemned the bill and secured public access to the stunning waters of Ullswater to this day.

Sadly Lord Birkett died two days after his speech, and to commemorate him and his success the first Cup Trophy Race was sailed in 1963, soon becoming one of the biggest sailing events in the UK.