Sharpies at the ready

Pamela Farrell with news of this classic racing boat; the 40th European Championship starts this weekend

What is an International 12 square metre Sharpie? It is sailing boat ­ Initially designed as a fast racing two-man centre boarder, which is also suitable for day cruising. It has shallow; draught and a gunter rig which is easily reefed and capable of standing reasonably heavy weather. Apart from toe straps, sitting out aids are not permitted.

The International 12 Square Metre Sharpie was designed in Germany in 1930 and was chosen as a Class for the Melbourne Olympics of 1956

Although most boats are probably in excess of 40 years old, they are all magnificently restored and maintained.

The original International 12m2 Sharpie was designed in Germany by Herr Kröger in 1930. After winning a design competition, the boat gained instant popularity both at home and abroad as a cheap but exciting class of boat with a shallow draft and good speed. The boat was used for German Officer training in the pre war period on the lakes of North Germany.

The first 8 boats were brought into Kings Lynn Docks in 1931 in Mahogany Boxes. They were then sent in pairs to four different sailing clubs around the country including Barnt Green Sailing Club and Ouse Amateur Sailing Club.

The class continued to grow and by 1956 became an Olympic Class at the Melbourne
Games. This was the Sharpie¹s first and last appearance at the Olympics and the popularity of the class faded in the following 40 years.


Sharpies at the 56 Olympics

However, interest in Sharpie racing is growing again and many Sharpies are being
taken on as restoration projects by yachtsman from around Europe.

The Sharpie class of boat is now sailed mainly in UK, Holland, Germany and Portugal. This July sailors and crew, their families and supporters will be descending on Brancaster Staithe, North Norfolk, to sail in the 40th European Sailing Championship.

The Championship takes place each year and rotates between the four countries.

A race programme is being organised with one main race per day starting on 20th July and culminating on 25th July. The racing will take place out of Brancaster Staithe harbour on a sea course. There will be spectator boats and viewing from the beach.

In excess of 250 sailors, crew and their families and supporters will be camping on an especially set up campsite near to Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club. A full social programme of events will take place during the week. The Championship will open with a reception at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club on Sunday 20 July at 18.00.

Monday - Irish Lunch with Irish music
Tuesday - Jazz Roast jazz band and hog roast, Seafood Supper at Wells Sailing Club Thursday - Dutch Supper at the campsite.
Friday - The week will culminate in a prize giving buffet party on 20th at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club.

The main sponsors of the above events are Adnams Brewery and Sowerbys Estate Agents.



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