Cowes • Hamble • Itchenor • Lymington • Parkstone • Yarmouth

The X Class is unique in having six active fleets around the Solent area, between Chichester Harbour in the East and Poole Harbour in the West. In each of the locations a well established local Club manages the racing. Seasons and race programmes vary to meet the requirements of the local membership. Brief details for each location are given below, with links to the local Division and sponsoring Club.

Cowes

The plans for 2010 season are well underway and racing will begin on 24th April with races every weekend from then on in Cowes, apart from the usual exceptions. An open meeting for XODs has been put in the diary for , which it is hoped will encourage a repeat of last year's influx from other fleets for the July run in to Cowes Week. Details for this event are still being finalised, but it is hoped that a sponsor or two will be found that will enable the offering of some fairly worthwhile prizes.

For further information email Jeremy Field, XOD Class organiser Cowes Division.

Hamble

2008 was the 80th Anniversary of X boats racing at Hamble River Sailing Club. Hamble division racing is run principally under the HRSC on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Every month there is Sunday racing under the Royal Southern YC regatta series. The season is between mid April and mid to late October, 22 boats are in the water in any one year, 12 boats race regularly, the remaining 10 are less active.

XOD owners must be members of Hamble River Sailing Club and to become a member a proposer and seconder are required. Many members are also members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and membership to this club requires a proposer, a seconder and two other supporting members. This club runs a launch service, for members only, to and from the moorings. Moorings at Hamble are available from HRSC and the XOD Hamble Division has its own pontoon for 16 boats. For those who are members of the RSrn.YC there is also an annual ballot for Club moorings. HRSC has its own starting boat and all XOD owners will be expected to carry out at least one Race Officer duty a season. HRSC organises racing for various dinghy and keel handicap classes. It also runs a runs a youth programme.

Hamble host the Central Solent Championships which is a three day open event two weekends before Cowes Week. This attracts boats from other divisions as it acts as a good warm up for Cowes Week.

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Itchenor

X boats have been racing at Itchenor since 1932 and as the class achievesa Century of racing , the XOD Class there remains vibrant, friendly, helpful, competitive and forward looking. XOD racing is organised by Itchenor Sailing Club (ISC) and mostly takes place in Chichester Harbour. In the season, whichis betweenthe beginning of April and the end of October, there are over 100 races programmed, on every weekend Saturdays and Sundays and on many Wednesdays too as well as special events.

Fleet size is 38 in the water. During the early and late seasonthe numbers vary between 10-15. By mid-season the numbers are regularly up to 25. XOD owners must be members of ISC where we welcome members who wish to participate in racing whether they be owners of boats or can show that they regularly crew boats.

ISC also runs a racing programme for 2 other keelboat classes and 7 dinghy classes, which all race at weekends as well as having an active and accomplished Cruiser section. For those with children and grand-children there is a strong junior fleet with training providedduring the year and which has a dedicated fortnight in late July andearly August, when our juniors and others from outside the club attend and enjoy spirited competition together with a fun social programme.

If you would like to know more about sailing an X boat at Itchenor, click here

Lymington

Lymington racing is organised by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and mostly takes place in the Western Solent. Races are held on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons starting at 14.00hrs. from end April to end October.Each year two long races are scheduled one to the east and one to the west. In addition XODs join the Thursday evening Keelboat racing from late April to August. Each season starts at the end of April and finishes at the end of October but with no racing during Cowes Week. Fleet size - for Saturday racing averages 20, maximum 26, Wednesday racing averages 14, maximum 19 and Thursday racing averages 10, maximum 18.

XOD owners must be members of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club or Lymington Town Sailing Club. The Royal Lymington is a large club organising and hosting an extensive range of racing and cruising activities for dinghies, day boats, Cruiser/racers and Match Racing. The Club operates a crane for transferring XODs from their road trailers to and from the river. There are tidal and operational restrictions to this service but it is only available to club members and regatta participants. The club operates a rib service to take crews to the XOD moorings. Moorings fall under the jurisdiction of the Lymington Harbour Commissioners.

If you would like to know more about sailing an X boat at Lymington, click here

Parkstone

Poole/Parkstone racing is organised by Parkstone Yacht Club and The Royal Motor Yacht Club and mostly takes place in Poole Harbour. Races are 3 times a week on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons and Monday evenings. The season is between May and September. The Royal Motor Yacht Club holds an autumn series in October and so racing in Poole Harbour takes place from May until October inclusive. Fleet size - approx 30 boats compete on both Saturdays and Wednesdays with an average turnout of 20 boats - 18 at the beginning and end of the season and 22+ in mid season.

XOD owners must be members of Parkstone Yacht Club but crew may visit 7 times a year as guests. Moorings at Parkstone are owned by theDivision and available at a reasonable price - moorings are close to both the club and the start platform. The XOD fleet repair to the bar after racing which is always preceded by afternoon tea. Club facilities include racing for cruisers, J24’s and also for, on average, 10 dinghy classes. The Club has a very active youth racing and training programme for the very young.

To visit the Parkstone XOD Division website click here

Yarmouth

Yarmouth racing is organised by the Royal Solent Yacht Club, with moorings off the club next to Yarmouth Harbour. The racing takes place in the adjacent western Solent from May to early October. Racing is on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. The XOD fleet is now in excess of 30 boats. There is also a fleet of YODs, which are very similar to the XOD and races are often mixed.

XOD owners must join the RSYC to enter and are very welcome. The club is ideal for island-based sailors.

To visit theYarmouth XOD Division website click here