The quality of Club racing is the key to the success of the X Class. Over the years the XOD fleet has attracted many experienced helms and crew and the standard of sailing at the front of the fleets is undoubtedly high.
The X One Design was designed by Alfred Westmacott, who was MD of Woodnutts Boatyard at St Helens on the Isle of Wight. He specialised in building small day racing boats and these included the Seaview Mermaid, Solent Sunbeam and Victory.
Racing first took place in Southampton Water in 1911 under the auspices of the MYC (later to become the Royal Motor Yacht Club). By the outbreak of the First World War some ten boats had been built. Between the wars, Divisions were established at Parkstone, Lymington, Itchenor and Hamble. By the outbreak of WWII some 81 boats had been built. Building resumed in 1946 and continues to this day. A further Division was established at Yarmouth, IOW. In 2008 the Cowes Division was resurrected.
Today the class is thriving with 140 boats of all ages competing on equal terms, with many having been epoxied.
The XOD celebrated their 100th Anniversary in 2011 which saw 146 boats on the start line at Cowes Week. The Class has raced every year at Cowes Classics Week since 2008, competing for the Haines Trophy presented by Cowes Week sponsor Haines Boatyard.
With over 60 boats expected on the start line, the race committee will again be providing a dedicated XOD race circuit, with committee boats on both ends of the line.
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Link: www.xonedesign.org.uk
