The National Swallow Class

Photography: Kirsty Bang

The Swallow is a classic light displacement keelboat usually sailed with a crew of three. The fleet is based at Itchenor where the boats are kept on swinging moorings near the Club jetties.

With more than 30 Swallows in our fleet we host three or more races every weekend from April to October in addition to several Trophy weekends and very popular Wednesday evening racing followed by supper. The class has national championships hosted by a Solent club and annual racing at Cowes or Cowes Classics Week. These classic three-person one design keelboats are thoroughbred, elegant and a dream to sail. Fast, simple, and beautiful.

Click here to see the National Swallow Class website.

Designed in 1946 Tom Thornycroft as the new light displacement low cost two-man keelboat for the 1948 London Olympics, the Swallow is a National Class. Class rules and measurement are subject to regulation by the RYA and administration is undertaken by the National Swallow Class Association (NSCA).

For recordings, materials and future event information about the Swallow Racing Rules Forum 2025 CLICK HERE - Please note, this is for Members Only.

Crew Available / Crew Wanted

We are keen to attract sailors into the Swallow fleet and guests are always most welcome. The Swallow is ideal for those who wish to transition from racing dinghies and enjoy exciting and competitive keelboat racing in the Harbour and beyond. Crewing opportunities are readily arranged (contact the Class Captain, Charles Hyatt or search the crew finder), shares in existing boat syndicates are available and there are boats for sale. A lively social programme is part of the Swallow calendar.

For more details please contact the Class Captain, Charles Hyatt.

See also: Swallow Racing Programme / Swallow News

Last updated 09:19 on 3 June 2025