The enduring appeal of the International Sharpie class was on full display last week as Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club hosted the European Championship.
Now in its 94th year, the Sharpie remains a class defined by its gaff rig, elegant lines, and Olympic pedigree, with many boats handed down through generations.
For Brancaster Staithe, the event carried particular resonance.
Seventy years ago, the club staged the Duke of Connaught Week, a precursor to the 1956 Melbourne Olympic trials, when a 30-strong fleet included five dominant Dutch boats.
Fast forward to 2025, and history repeated itself as the Dutch once again set the standard.
This year’s fleet of 48 boats featured 11 that had also competed in 1955, including NED 128 Spotvogel, which again emerged victorious.
Skippered by Patrick van Raalte and crewed by Jeroen Kool, Spotvogel sealed the title despite not winning a single race, relying instead on consistent top finishes.
It was van Raalte’s sixth European crown and the boat’s eighth overall.
The week provided no shortage of drama. Five different boats claimed race victories, with NED 119 Doordrijver taking three wins but also heavy scores that ultimately cost them.
Heading into the final day, five crews were still in contention, including former champions Daan Versteeg and Marcel Verlaan in NED 14, Germany’s Klaus Eisenblatter and Sven Ove Baumgartner in GER 377, and class newcomer Wouter Stiphout in NED 15.
The championship was only decided after the final race, when several contenders faltered and four boats fell foul of the black flag.
For the home fleet, Alex Scoles and Dugan Aylen in GBR 71 Tern 1 finished strongly with results of third, third and first to end as top British Sharpie.
The “Sharpie family” also played its part, rallying to refurbish older boats, loan out craft to newcomers, and even encourage younger sailors.
Five under-18 teams took part, while Alastair Drew sailed three-up with his children, aged just 10 and 8, in GBR 77.
Off the water, Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club earned plaudits for its seamless organisation.
Race officer Andy Turner completed a full ten-race programme in variable but sailable conditions, while a large beach team and fleet of RIBs ensured smooth launching and recovery.
Competitors also enjoyed the relaxed shoreside hospitality, including free camping and post-race beer.
As the fleet departed North Norfolk, thoughts already turned to 2026 when the Championship will head to Portugal.
Yet for those present, this year’s edition will be remembered as a true celebration of a class that continues to capture hearts across Europe.
