Racing Classes at SLYC
Rivers
The River Class is the oldest class racing anywhere on Strangford Lough. Designed by legendary naval architect Alfred Mylne, the 29 foot Rivers can trace their origins back to 1919 when Belfast lough sailors were looking for a simple and elegant one design class to race in. Twelve boats were built and racing first took place in 1921 on Belfast lough but gradually the fleet moved to Strangford Lough where Viscount Bangor and Lord and Lady Londonderry of Mount Stewart were based. The latter had a boat each and were known on occasion to collide in the heat of battle!The fleet has an active racing and social calendar throughout the season, with plenty of close racing guaranteed with the one design policy (the class only purchases sails en masse so that there is never an arms race for acquiring fresh canvas). Easily sailed with a crew of 3 or 4 these graceful boats handle beautifully and will be around for many years to come.
Glens
The Glen Class has been ever present at SLYC for over 50 years. Built by the Glen boat yard in Bangor, the Glens are sleek racing sloops crewed by 3 or 4 people. Racing is competitive, with an average turnout on race days of at least 6 boats. Off the water the Glen Class prides itself on being welcoming to newcomers and having a very active social scene. Each year the class competes against the Glens of Dublin bay in a team racing event, a tradition which is always the season’s highlight.Over the course of the sailing season the Glen’s organise a number of social events from picnics to cruises. The Narrows Series is also well attended.
RS Elite
The RS Elite is a 3 person keelboat with a conventional spinnaker, and its graceful lines make it look suspiciously like an America’s Cup yacht. With a no – hiking rule, a carbon mast and light sheet loads, there is no advantage of having 3 gorillas sail the boat: this makes it an ideal boat for all age groups. Racing is tight, making it a very tactical and enjoyable racing boat.SLYC currently has 5 Elites, and has plans to add more boats to the start line. Due to their one design nature and high build quality an older boat is equally competitive as the newer ones (a multi British Championship winner sails in an older boat), and with a second hand Elite costing from around £8,000 and up it certainly is great value for money.