History Articles
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.
With her perfect proportions and incredible pedigree, the Mah Jong is a yacht that commands attention. First gracing the seas in 1957, meticulously crafted by Sparkman & Stephens and brought to life by Cheoy Lee Shipyard, she sailed into the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in 2026, captivating lookers on with her elegance and charm.
But it was not just aesthetics that made the Mah Jong remarkable; it was also her intriguing origin story. The vessel was commissioned by three audacious American graduates, seeking to step off the beaten path and embark upon a world voyage. Notably, one of them was the grandson of the great inventor Alexander Graham Bell.