Birkett weekend july 5 2014

Queries, notice of, questions or write ups regarding Non-Association events

Birkett weekend july 5 2014

Postby David Hudson » Thu May 08, 2014 10:06 am

Events Details
The Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy
Start Date/Time: 05 July 2014
End Date/Time: 06 July 2014

Location: Ullswater Yacht Club

The club’s most prestigious event attracting entries of over 200 boats and voted number eight in the world’s top 50 regattas by Yachts amp; Yachting. Two ACH races the length of the Lake with one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
======================
The Event History
The Story of Lord Birkett - The Saviour of Ullswater

Lord Birkett - The Saviour of Ullswater

Visitors to Ullswater owe a huge debt of gratitude to Lord Birkett. William Norman Birkett, 1st Baron Birkett of Ulverston, was born in Ulverston Cumbria in 1883. He was a devoted Cumbrian - the “Lakes Great Advocate” as some have called him. He was educated at Barrow Grammar School and after a distinguished career at the bar (including at the Nuremberg Trials) and in politics he was elevated to the house of Lords in 1958. It was in this role that he helped save Ullswater for future generations.

In 1961 the Manchester Corporation Waterworks Department, desperate for water for the cities, promoted a parliamentary bill to turn Ullswater into a reservoir. This would have been a disaster for the area and for future generations. Lord Birkett started a robust campaign to fight the bill. On his very last day in the House of Lords, on 8 February 1962, he made a heartfelt speech condemning the proposal. The bill was defeated and as a direct consequence of Lord Birkett’s intervention, we are all able enjoy the multitude of activities on England’s most beautiful Lake. Tragically Lord Birkett died just 2 days after making this speech.

To commemorate his momentous contribution to the future of Ullswater a previously unnamed Fell was christened Birkett Fell in his honour. There is also a memorial plaque on Kailpot Crag that is only visible from Ullswater itself.

The Birkett Cup Trophy Race

His memory also lives on in the prestigious annual Lord Birkett Cup Trophy Race. This event is held annually by the Ullswater Yacht Club. The race is held every year on the first weekend in July and attracts at least 200 sailing boats. It comprises 2 races, both of which cover the full 9 mile length of the lake. It is one of the most important races in the Yachting calendar and attracts visitors from all over the country.

It is also a superb spectacle to see so many dinghies and yachts sailing in such a beautiful setting as Ullswater. So even if you’re not crewing on the day, it is well worth climbing Place Fell or the surrounding areas to admire the view, or even taking a trip on the Steamers to get in amongst the competitors.

For the dates of this year’s race see below or if you’d like more details please contact the Ullswater Yacht Club.

2013 Event Details

Ullswater Yacht Club is preparing for their biggest sailing event of the year, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy race.

This year's event, the 51st anniversary of the race, will be held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July. Over 200 boats are expected to take part. The crews race down the lake, a distance of approximately seven miles, past Kailpot Crag and the plaque to the memory of Lord Norman Birkett. The fleet then rounds an island at the southern end of the lake near Glenridding and race back to finish at Ullswater Yacht Club. Then they do it all again on Sunday, with both races to count.

One of the most spectacular sailing events in the North, the Lord Birkett Trophy race was rated number eight in the top 50 of "must do" events in the UK by Yachts and Yachting magazine.

Last year's race was won for the first time by a female helm, Judy Armstrong from Scaling Dam Sailing Club. Judy will again be taking part in this year's event to defend her title.

Back by popular demand again this year is Ullswater Steamer MV Raven. The famous steamer proved a big hit last year with families and supporters of those sailing being able to follow the excitement of the race from close hand on the water. Members of Ullswater Yacht Club were onboard to give an informative commentary on the race.

One of last year's commentators, former Commodore Roy Hulse will again be at the microphone for the benefit of passengers and UYC is delighted to announce that he will be joined by three-times Birkett winner and dinghy sailing 'guru' Howard Steavenson of Tynemouth. The Birkett is in the Steavenson blood - the family have raced the event many times and Howard's father Robin was the winner of the first Birkett in 1963.

MV Raven will again be taking part on Saturday, July 6. The cruise will leave Pooley Bridge pier and follow the racing down to Kailpot Crag where the Lord Birkett memorial plaque is placed
David Hudson
CC19 Association Member
 
Posts: 174
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2009 7:49 am
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Return to Non Association Events

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

cron