XOD
The X One Design was designed by Islander Alfred Westmacott and first built in 1909 at his boatyard on the St Helens Duver. The 21’ boat has a long heavy keel which makes it very stable and comfortable. The large open cockpit easily accommodates the normal racing crew of three but will take more for gentle family activities. Boats can be picked up for between £3000 and £12000, depending on their condition.
Racing started in 1911 at Netley at the Motor Yacht Club (now RMYC). Just under 200 boats have been built to date, of which about two-thirds currently race on a regular basis in 6 locations around the Solent and surrounding waters.
XODs have been racing at Royal Solent since 1946. Our divisional fleet is growing and currently numbers 30 boats – the largest fleet in the club. Regular racing takes place from late April to early October on Wednesday evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings. The Yarmouth programme offers 60 races of around 2 hours duration. The club’s racing calendar highlights include the club regatta in August and the Sunset Series which follows Cowes Week and is sailed Monday to Thursday evenings. The club lays moorings which are easily accessible and convenient.
The biggest annual event is Cowes Week where we usually muster the largest fleet (~80) in the regatta. We are confident the X fleet will reach 100 boats for our racing centenary at Cowes Week in 2011. A one-design fleet of this size produces close and exciting racing for competitors at all ability levels. At the front of the fleet you can expect to see a good smattering of Olympians, world and national champions whilst further back there are some with a more relaxed attitude!
The RSYC offers an excellent social programme and the XOD Yarmouth Division supplements this with a few events of its own, giving opportunities for non-sailors to be involved in Divisional activities. Many good friendships are forged in the bar and at sailing teas after racing.
The Division is keen to welcome new members of all sailing abilities and ages.
If you would like to find out more about sailing XODs at Yarmouth, then please contact Victoria Wheeler, Divisional Class Secretary or Mark Lacey, Divisional Class Captain via the RSYC Sailing Office: sailing@royalsolent.org.
More information about XODs is online http://www.yarmouthxod.co.uk