The SECOND annual Arnside Classic Boat Regatta took place last Sunday (June 4) in glorious summer weather attracting 10 traditional boats.

With club racing happening as well, there were over 20 boats sailing in the estuary.

Arnside has a long tradition of regattas dating back to the Victorian era. The first sailing club in Arnside started in 1852. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Viaduct, Whitbarrow and boats Viaduct, Whitbarrow and boats (Image: D. Brown)

The regatta was organised by Arnside Sailing Club. The club was a finalist for Sailing Club of the Year in both 2019 and 2022. It offers sailing lessons at both Arnside and Killington near Sedbergh for both adults and children and paddleboarding and kayak lessons on the estuary at Arnside.

The Westmorland Gazette: The club racing boatsThe club racing boats (Image: D Brown)

The club owns Severn, a yacht built by Crossfields in 1912, which is currently been restored with the help of a £58,000 National Lottery Heritage Grant. Severn should be back in the water in 2024.

The Westmorland Gazette: The Lune pilot boatThe Lune pilot boat (Image: D. Brown)

Alasdair Simpson from the club said: “It was lovely to see so many boats out sailing on the estuary We hope to build on this year’s event in future years - putting on more social events, making it more a village festival of the water attracting both local people and visitors to the village.”