The Seabird Association

Article from Yachting Magazine December 2024

SOUTHPORT’S ‘“ BANTAM FLEET.” 
Perhaps a feature of the regattas “ down coast,” says a writer in the ‘‘ Liverpool Courier,” was the keen racing of the bantam fleet of the Seabird, Seashell, Cariad; and Gael — one-design association. This popular class is now the only one in existence that has been internationally adopted by England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The class was originally formed by the West Lancashire Yacht Club six years ago, and afterwards taken up by the Irishmen of Donaghadee. Since then Wales has had six of this class built for the Carnarvon Sailing Club, and the Rhyl Yacht Club started with two.

Last year, after the forming of an association to govern the racing, six boats were built for the members of the Gourock Yacht Club, and our local club, the Liverpool Bay Y.C., followed with five more, and now it is practically assured that the class will be further extended to Holyhead, this harbour being one of the best on the coast for racing in, having such grand protection from its fine breakwater. What is the reason of the rapid extension of this type of racing boat?

Firstly, the whole “ fit out ” can be had for £42 10s. — all complete with sails, spars, etc. Secondly, the maximum crew is, including helmsman, two, How many owners racing down coast last week, I wonder, complained of their inability to get amateur crews of four or five together, and thereby had to remain at anchor or go away short-handed? Thirdly, any owner may spend his holiday where he likes, and race besides.

There are fixtures during the whole of the “ Clyde Fortnight,” a week’s racing in Belfast Lough, and another fortnight in the beautiful waters of Menai Straits. All the little craft can get to any of these places for nominal charges by local coasting steamers. Fourthly, the boats have splendid weatherly qualities and a good turn of speed besides. Many of them have made the passage from Southport to the Straits on their own keels during past years, and, indeed, much more could be said of the merits of the type."