The Stella has been described as an affordable classic. Perhaps subjective, but when Kim Holman designed the Stella he produced a modest yet perfectly formed package. It has the looks, the handling and is a delight to sail. Many sailors who have moved on to bigger (but not necessarily better) things look back with particular affection on their Stella days.
Over the last twenty years many of the boats have been restored and are now maintained and sailed to a high standard, both on the racing circuit and for cruising. They require dedication, love and money to keep them afloat; read this for more information about what is involved:
The Stella Association has been revived in recent years and is strongly supported by a growing number of owners, crew and others whose aim is to look after and further the interests of the class. The number of boats in commission is probably now the highest since the class was new in the 1960s. 2009 saw the 50th anniversary of the class, and the association is more active than ever.
The association organises sailing and social events throughout the year and keeps members informed through mailings, an annual directory and several newsletters reporting on past events and future plans, as well as articles and general chat. The association also keeps an informal eye on the whereabouts of the boats and who owns them.
New members are welcome. A full subscription (for owners) is currently £15 per boat, to include a maximum two owners at the same address; additional owners can opt to be associate members. Associate membership (for non boat owners) is £10. Contact the General Secretary for more information.
The association organises sailing and social events throughout the year and keeps members informed through mailings, an annual directory and several newsletters reporting on past events and future plans, as well as articles and general chat. The association also keeps an informal eye on the whereabouts of the boats and who owns them.
New members are welcome. A full subscription (for owners) is currently £15 per boat, to include a maximum two owners at the same address; additional owners can opt to be associate members. Associate membership (for non boat owners) is £10. Contact the General Secretary for more information.
Yachting World
Burnham Week 1961
'Last year a new Holman designed sloop Stella was launched by Tucker Browns two days before the week and took seven firsts in a row. One year later, twenty-four yachts have been built and another twenty-four are on order, which must be about the quickest growth of a keel-boat class in history. Fourteen starters came to the line in this new class, which is strictly controlled, and the places were well spread. Starlight of Mersea (R. Hill) did best with three firsts and three seconds but she did not have things all her own way by any means and several of the local boats were hard on her heels. Whirlwind II (R. S. Wilkins) which was sailed by several different people during the week, did well, and Starshell, owned by the designer of the class, C. R. Holman, had a first, a second, a third and two fourths.'
'Last year a new Holman designed sloop Stella was launched by Tucker Browns two days before the week and took seven firsts in a row. One year later, twenty-four yachts have been built and another twenty-four are on order, which must be about the quickest growth of a keel-boat class in history. Fourteen starters came to the line in this new class, which is strictly controlled, and the places were well spread. Starlight of Mersea (R. Hill) did best with three firsts and three seconds but she did not have things all her own way by any means and several of the local boats were hard on her heels. Whirlwind II (R. S. Wilkins) which was sailed by several different people during the week, did well, and Starshell, owned by the designer of the class, C. R. Holman, had a first, a second, a third and two fourths.'
Yachting World
Gatherings and Events
7.30 on Friday 25th May at the Oyster Bar, Coast Road, West Mersea CO5 8LT (opposite the Victory pub), contact/RSVP Peter Haldane treasurer@stellasail.org.uk