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Falmouth Sunbeam History 1923+
1923
FP Sept. 28, 1923: YACHTING New Class for Falmouth - A Good Start
New Class for Falmouth - A Good StartAt a meeting at “Penvale” Falmouth, on Wednesday, it was decided to establish a class of yachts to be known as the Falmouth Sunbeams; these boats being similar to the Solent Sunbeams, and to be built by Messrs. Woodnutts of St. Helens, Isle of Wight.
It was proposed by Capt.Willcox, R.N., and seconded by Major Muir, that a club be formed to manage this class with headquarters at “Penvale”, Kimberley Place, and that Mr. C. P. Foster should be chairman and Capt. Willcox* Hon. Secretary.
It was agreed that all orders for Sunbeams be placed through the club.
Orders for the first five boats being placed in the following rotation;
No. 1
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Mr. C. P. & Mr. John Foster*
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[V14 Halcyone, see 1925]
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[ Now V38 Tantivity ]
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No. 2
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Mr. H. G. Sicklemore
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[V15 Merrythought ]
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[ Now V25 Query ]
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No. 3
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Capt. Willcox, R.N.
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[V16 Little Lady]
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[ Now V 6 Little Lady ]
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No. 4
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Mr. H. S. Tuke, R. A.
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[V17 Flame]
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[ Now V36 Melody ]
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No. 5
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Mr. Morris [who?]
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[V18 Una]
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[ Now V18 Polly ]
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Plans and specifications can be seen on application at “Penvale” [Home of The Hon. Sec, Mr. C. P. Foster, see FP of May 18, 1925]
[Note: the 1909 Post Office Directory for Falmouth includes, in Kimberley Place, "Churchfield" Charles Napier Hemy, A.R.A., opposite "Kimberley House" (Mrs. M. A. Rogers). Similarly. Mr. John Foster*, Mariner, is listed as living in Helston Road, Falmouth.]
1924: Notes from Yahting Centres - West of england.
The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, at Falmouth, has done well, chief interest having centred in the new "Sunbeam" class of small one-design boats built by Woodnutt and Co., of Bembridge, and said to be identical in every respect with the Solent "Sunbeams."
These little craft have provided good racing against each other, and their owners are full of praise of their qualities.
It does not appear, however, that they are particularly speedy as compared with the generality of craft of a similar size, or that they are quite seaworthy enough for passage-making to local ports, where it has been suggested that races might be offered for them, and it would in consecuence appear probable that the class will, after all, remain a purely local one, and that if anything is going to come of the proposal that was under discussion during Plymouth Week of instituting a class of one-design or restricted boats to take the place of the old Western one-design racer-cruiser class of 5-tonners, boats of appreciably larger and more powerful type will be required.
Ten or a dozen of the old W.F.C. 14 footers appear to be still in existence, most of them being owed at Falmouth, where, strange to say, the class, which was formerly most numerous at plymouth and in West Bay, has during the past few years become increasingly popular. One is glad to hear that a strong movement is afoot in Falouth for the adoption in toto of the rules and restrictions of the Y.R.A. national 14-foot classes which formerly existed in the boat-sailing localities of this country.
The cost of building has kept the Western yards short of new construction, notable exceptions being Tern, a yawl of 37 tons which Messrs. Phillip & Sons, of Dartmouth, have recently completed for Dr. Claude Worth, the well known author of Yacht Cruising. Amongst interesting vessels that have been cruising in the west this year must be mentioned the beautiful 50-ton cutter Jolie Brise, owned by Commander F. G. Martin, the popular rear-commodore of the Royal Western Yacht club. Everybody was delighted to saee her afloat again after his very severe illness of last winter.
(The Yachting World No. 223, November 1924 pp.59-60)
1925Falmouth Packet, Friday May 18, 1925: Falmouth Sunbeams - Preparation for Racing Season
The yachts belonging to the Falmouth Sunbeam class, which proved to be so popular last year, are getting ready for the approaching season.
They will begin their racing on 27th Instant, under the flag of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.
Mr C. P. Foster, of “Penvale” is the Captain of the class, and Capt. H. G. Wilcox* (sic) R. N., of 1, Tehidy Terrace, the Hon. Secretary.
This year the class will number eight yachts, Mr. C. P. Foster's Maranui being a fresh arrival.
eight yachts, Mr. C. P. Foster's Maranui being a fresh arrival. The following are the names of the yachts, with the owner, numbers, racing flags, etc.
14 - Halcyone (Miss Moira & Mr. John Foster), Colour Eton Blue, racing flag, Black, Eton blue bar.15 - Merrythought (Mr. H. G. Sicklemore) Blue. Racing flag, Blue, light blue, red fly.16 - Little Lady (Capt H.G. Wilcox, R.N. ) Pearl Grey. Racing flag, Grey, white bar.17 - Flame (Mr. H. S. Tuke, R.A.) Pale Buff. Red Strake. Racing flag Red, white chequers.19 - Berthe (Capt. C. R. Stephens) Black. Racing flag Blue, red diagonal stripes.20 - Trent (Mr. H. Stedman) Silver Grey. Racing flag Black & red, triangular.21 - Maranui (Mr. C. P. Foster) Green. Racing flag, green & white.----------------------------