XOD
T
Centenary Year
here was a brief period at the beginning of this century when the Laser SB3 class produced the biggest fl eet at Cowes Week, but that was when their sponsors of the time
were giving them all free spinnakers. As soon as that largesse came to an end, things reverted to normal and the X One Designs returned to their habitual supremacy. This year is being celebrated by the Xs as their centenary, which
is restrained of them in some way ways, because although the fi rst race didn’t take place until 1911, the XOD was designed by Alfred Westmacott in 1909. The ambition is that there should be 100 entrants in the class sailing at Cowes Week this year, and they seem to be on target to achieve that. These are well built boats that, when well looked after, as they usually are, don’t suffer from deterioration due to age. In fact, of the 196 X boats ever built, after allowing for those lost to fi re, storm, neglect and one even to enemy action, there are still 145 registered as belonging to members of the fi ve clubs. X One Design racing takes place throughout the season in six locations around the Solent, Cowes, Hamble, Itchenor, Lymington, Parkstone and Yarmouth. At each one a full programme of racing is organised by the clubs involved. The X has attracted many experienced helms and crew and the standard of sailing at the front of the fl eets is extremely high. Whenever you sail you can be sure of good competition. Boats are equal, turnouts are good and races are keenly contested at all levels throughout the fl eet. CY
46 cywinter 2011
XOD
Each Division will be organising its own local events, both afl oat and ashore, during the course of the centenary year. However, the main celebrations will be at Cowes during Cowes Week 2011 (6th to 13th August), which will include a mid-week special Centenary mini-series of races. The Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole Harbour has provided a special trophy for this, as it was the Royal Motor Yacht Club, then based at Hythe, which hosted the very fi rst race of the Class on 3rd June 1911. Two weekends prior to Cowes Week an event will be organised at Hythe, as part of the Central Solent Regatta. The event will be organized jointly between the Hamble Division and the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, who are generously offering their facilities and support to the event.
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