National Redwing R249 win Concours d'Elegance at RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2010 

Exhibitors awarded at RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2010

The 2010 Spitfire Premium Ale Concours d’Elegance trophy sponsored by Shepherd Neame was awarded to the National Redwing sail number R249 built by Stephen Beresford of the Goodwood Boat Company at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show (6-7 March).

The award is presented to the class association with the best presented boat at the show and to enter, boats must be displayed by a class association and must have been sailed at least once, but they can be old or new, of classic or modern design.    

After two hours of looking over all boats, the judging panel had a shortlist of five boats (GP14 ‘Sniper’, International 14 1541, Merlin Rocket 3626, National Redwing 249 and National 12 341) to choose a winner from. A second inspection of these resulted in the unanimous decision to the National Redwing sail number R249. 

On winning the trophy Stephen Beresford said, “We're thrilled and delighted to win the Concours d'Elegance trophy. It's a real confirmation of Good Wood Boats intent to build beautiful and eye catching classic racing dinghies that not only race successfully, but also win the admiration of others both on and off the water.”  

The boat was completed just prior to the Redwing nationals in August 2009. Construction took just over a thousand man-hours and includes 1,782 hand crafted copper rivets.  

The RYA Marketing Manager and member of the judging panel said, “The variety of classes and the standard of presentation was outstanding this year, making the ultimate decision extremely difficult.”  

As well as claiming the coveted trophy the lucky winner will also have the choice of either one night’s stay for two people (dinner, bed and breakfast) at a Shepherd Neame Managed House or ten cases of Spitfire Premium Ale.