St Lawrence College is proud to be one of the key sponsors for the upcoming Ramsgate Week which takes place from Sunday, 17th July – Friday, 22nd July.
As well as the week itself, we are also sponsoring a local crew and boat that is competing as part of the IRC Class 1 fleet called the ‘Kabluzo’. Kabluzo is a beautiful boat that was hand-built by Rob Smith and first launched in 2020.
Ramsgate Week
Ramsgate Week Regatta is widely recognised as a ‘family-friendly regatta’ and seen as the alternative to Cowes. It first started back in 1898, which means its presence in Ramsgate almost rivals St Lawrence College, which took its first pupils in 1879.
During the 1950s, the regatta was known as ‘Kent Yachting Week’, which changed to ‘Thanet Week’ in the 1970s, which then included dinghy sailing. Dinghy racing declined over time, but with an expanded local IOR-rated fleet, Ramsgate Week as we know it today was re-launched and has grown strength to strength.
There isn’t just racing throughout the week, there’s something for everybody, including live music and events throughout the town and around the Harbour. It’s a fantastic event for Ramsgate and we are proud to be supporting it. If you are in Ramsgate, look out for special deals, live music, family shows and other attractions in local pubs, bars and restaurants.
Northrop Sails
Simon runs Northrop Sails from Ramsgate Harbour. Northrop Sails creates sails for all sorts of different sized vessels. Simon was born in the area and has been running the company since the age of 21. He has also competed in Ramsgate Week for the past 25 years. Sailing is in his blood as his Grandfather and Father both competed too. Simon created his first sail when he was just 17 years old, which was then used by his father in the 1988 World Championships!
He will be part of the 8-man crew on Kabluzo that will be aiming to win silverware in multiple races throughout the week. His experience and knowledge of the waters around Ramsgate, coupled with the speed of the Kabluzo, means there’s a quiet confidence around the team!
Northrop Sails have naturally made the sails for the Kabluzo and the St Lawrence College crest has also been incorporated. It’ll be a sight to behold to see St Lawrence College flying high, amongst the other boats every day.
The most challenging race is the ‘Round the Goodwins’ race. This involves sailing from Ramsgate Harbour, around the Goodwin Sands and then back to the Harbour. The Goodwin Sands are a 10-mile sandbank off the Kent coast and more than 2,000 ships are believed to have been wrecked there!
Simon has won the ‘Round the Goodwins’ race before and even currently holds the record time of 2hrs 45mins. This is the race he’s most looking forward to, which takes place on Sunday at 09:55.
Another key race of Ramsgate Week that every single racer has their eye on is the Gold Cup. This race closes out the regatta on Friday, 22nd July. Not surprisingly, Simon has won this twice previously – with different teams. He’ll be looking to make it a hattrick with Rob Smith and the crew aboard the Kabluzo next week. St Lawrence College will be supporting and cheering from ashore. We wish all competitors involved the best of luck next week and know it’ll be an event to remember.
Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for regular updates from the week.
