ARROW – West Solent One Design (W1)

Main Picture Credit - James Taylor Robinson

Launched 1924 – Comprehensive Refit 1999

INTRODUCTION

It is a genuine privilege to present ARROW, sail number W-1 – the very first of the celebrated West Solent One Designs launched at Lymington in 1924. An elegant and highly competent 1920s racing yacht, ARROW embodies the very spirit of inter-war Corinthian sport, combining poise, pace, and that unmistakable long-overhang charm of the era.

She is the last of the class to have been restored by the late Peter Brookes during his revered Maldon period, completed to a standard that set a benchmark for classic yacht work of the time. In the quarter century since, she has remained one of the most successful, most visible, and unquestionably best-prepared West Solents afloat — her record in classic regattas throughout the Mediterranean and the English south coast speaks for itself.

Uniquely, ARROW is offered with her own dedicated 19-tonne UK/EU-legal transport truck and cradle, enabling dry-sailing and effortless movement between regattas. For the sailor who wishes to arrive in style, prepared, and with the competitive edge, few packages come close.

A fast, beautiful, historically important yacht — and one maintained with conspicuous devotion. A rare opportunity indeed.

BROKER’S COMMENTS

ARROW represents the very essence of the West Solent class: lean, lively, and entirely honest in her form. She is, in short, a classic yacht of the first order. Her present and previous custodians have upheld her heritage with a seriousness and affection that would delight her original builders at Berthon.

As a regatta proposition she is formidable: optimised for both CIM and IRC, accompanied by an exceptional sail wardrobe, and maintained with the meticulousness one normally associates with museum exhibits. As a piece of maritime history, she has few equals. And as a travelling regatta yacht, her accompanying truck and cradle make her the most complete and self-contained classic racing package presently available.

Those seeking either a purebred classic racer or a yacht of historical distinction will find ARROW a deeply satisfying and unusually complete offering.