Two centuries, two fleets, one aim - to celebrate the ‘brilliance of sunbeams’. You have to say where else could a boat seem so at home set amongst the rugged beauty of the wondrous River Fal. One can’t help but feel that the designer of the Sunbeam, naval architect Alfred Wesmacott watches on with a certain sense of pride and wonder.  Sunbeams have been sailed in Falmouth from the Royal Cornwall Yacht Clubs for longer than most can remember. 1924 saw the start of regular racing events with seven boats turning out to take part.

There is a long tradition of Village Regattas, typically from Point, where you can almost reach out to touch the boats as they sail by to the beautiful fishing port of Portscatho, all providing a wonderful mix of land water activities all sharing in common a great sense of fun. It would appear that Sunbeams have the power to gain hold over otherwise quite rational people, the sweetly curving hull and fine sail plan can be the only reason.

It is traditional for boats names to end with a 'Y' and at the last count there were forty-six of the little beauties racing and they are still being built at Mylor near Falmouth and also on the Solent.

The Falmouth Fleet comprises the following boats:

The Sunbeams have there own book - The Brilliance of Sunbeams

Distribution at bookshops and chandleries further has been organised by Wylies. Quote ISBN 0-9551432-0-9.
Any difficulties in finding a copy Email peter@peternicholson.com

To view the Sunbeam Handbook Please Click Here

Page last updated April 22, 2008