mermaid fleet history

Mermaids have raced at Seaview for over a century, the first fleet of gaff-rigged boats having been built in 1907. These were replaced in 1922 by a more modern Bermudan-rig boat with the design carried out by the famous Captain Alfred Westmacott and eleven of these were built at Woodnutt’s Yard in nearby St. Helens.

At the end of the Second World War, a member had the far-reaching idea that Sea View Yacht Club should buy the fleet from the various owners and charter them out to the sailing associations of the returning military forces. Mermaid chartering was born and now, over 60 years later, the Club is close to unique in being able to offer a fleet of identical competitive keelboats for racing events. The charterers today come more from the corporate world than from the services, but the concept has stood the test of time.

The boats have since been replaced twice – once in 1962, with hulls in cold-moulded Makore plywood, and more recently, in the late-1990’s, with modern GRP hulls, with the yacht designer David Thomas overseeing the work.

Throughout the years, the class has been distinctive for retaining its classic design whilst benefitting from up-to-date construction and fittings. And, above all, is well known throughout south-coast waters as each boat is painted in a different colour and sports a spinnaker to match.

“ On behalf of the Association of Service Yacht Clubs, I would like again to thank Sea View Yacht Club for hosting another fantastic inter-services Gold Cup. As you know, the services have been competing for this prestigious trophy for over 60 years at Seaview, and we remain very grateful to be able to use such a tremendous club, whose staff and members always make us feel so welcome. We look forward to being back next year. ”
Richard Spalding, Captain RN, Secretary to ASYC