Revival at the Sea: Norfolk Punt Open Celebrates Historic Boat Design Amid Record Participation

The conventional sails of Norfolk Punt Club witnessed a nostalgic resurgence on 9th and 10th May 2026, with the first open event of the year attracting an impressive fleet of 19 boats, a record for the century-old community. With spectators and sailors alike bathed in gloriously sunny conditions, the weekend served as a vibrant tribute to the club’s deep-rooted sailing heritage.

To kick-start the weekend festivities, a specially organised filming day took place overseeing 14 iconic punts. Showcasing an array of designs from over a century ago to more recent models, including the venerable 108-year-old ‘Prawn’, the day offered attendees a rare glimpse into the class’s evolution. This mesmerising spectacle wasn’t merely aesthetic, as crews seized the opportunity to hone their skills in race starts, tacks, gybes, and spinnaker handling under ideal weather conditions.

The second and third races were nothing short of exhilarating, with surprising upsets and fiercely contested victories. Thanks to a shift towards starboard during the start, the deck tilted in favour of the savvy crews who leveraged this advantage. The subsequent victories went to Simon Clayton’s ‘Decoy’ and again to Charlie Stewart’s ‘Snow Goose’ on a handicap.

As the sun set on a day of adrenaline-fuelled races, participants and spectators alike were treated to a jovial party hosted by Rupert Redington and Bridget O’Brien, where sailing tales echoed amid laughter and cheer. The following Sunday was not short of challenges, as gusty 25-knot winds tested the mettle of the crews as well as the design of the boats, reminiscent of 49ers. Not surprisingly, the day witnessed an array of capsizes amid the white-knuckle races.

All in all, the Norfolk Punt Open 2026 managed to encapsulate the beauty of the illustrious class of boats, the spirit of the community, and the thrill of racing, setting an inspiring precedent for the events to follow.