Chichester bid to attract new generation of sailors

Visitors were introduced to a mini exhibition of club activities and provided with details on the Club’s full range of sailing courses – novice training days to full RYA-accredited courses.

They were also able to inspect the new balcony with views across the harbour and watch club racing and training in progress. Of special note were the new Laser model-class boats being put through their paces on the water.

Club secretary Martin Buckley said: “Our visitors had a great time; many were so impressed that they joined as members on the day.”

Anyone who could not attend is welcome to visit the clubhouse at any time – those who visit or make contact through www.cyc.co.uk can still take advantage of a spring membership offer.

Chichester Yacht Club welcomed sailors for a Laser open meeting which was the first round of the Southern area Laser Grand Prix series.

An early start and an absence of wind throughout the Solent meant the entry was down on the usual numbers.

Some 18 Laser sailors did make it and race officer Derek Jackman’s patience paid off with an hour’s delay and plenty of course resetting. Three back-to-back races were duly completed before the water ran out.

In the main fleet, Peter May (Spinnaker SC) stole a lead in the first two races hugging the western shore in the adverse tide to win races one and two and the overall event.

Ian Payne (Chichester YC) finished in second with Simon Radford (Bosham SC) third after winning the third race which enjoyed better breeze of 5mph.

In the Radial fleet there was very close racing, Kerry Morgan winning race one, Paul Whyld race two and Hannah Snellgrove (Lymington) race three.

Snellgrove took the honours in first place, with Whyld and Morgan, both from Hill Head SC second and third.

The Easter holidays and lack of wind brought a small but select group of sailors out for races six, seven and eight in the First Breath Series.

In the fast fleet, the races were dominated by Roger and Andy Claire (RS400), who led from the front in every race, putting in fast times both on the water and on handicap.

They were first in every race and are leading the series. Even David and Yvette Thair could not get close in their twin trapeze RS500 and were third in each race.

Peter and Suzy Harrison were the fastest Laser 2000, second in each race.

In the medium fleet, the Solos were the faster on handicap and kept ahead of the keen Laser sailors. Derek Jackman and Laurence Murray, both in Solos, were very close in races six and seven, with Jackman winning race six and Murray race seven and eight.

Meanwhile Charlie Porter and Rob Payne were having close racing in the Lasers with Payne taking two thirds and a fourth. Porter lost out by being over the start in race six, but managed a second and a third. In the slow fleet, Ben Thompson was the only competitor in his Topper but completed every race.

ITCHENOR

The first recognised race for the X One Design class took place off Hythe, Southampton Water, on June 3, 1911. Since then, this classic keel boat has continued to thrive.

A recent analysis in Yachts and Yachting showed that, after 100 years, the XOD has the highest attendance at its national championships (Cowes Week) of any keel boat class, as it has over the past ten years.

There is always a very high level of competition in these lovely, traditional boats sailed by Olympians, families, national and international champions from other classes and club sailors and by young thrusters as well as old hands.

In this, the class centenary year they expect to be the biggest one design fleet with more than 100 boats on the start line. It promises to be a fantastic sight and a memorable regatta within a whole year of celebrations.

The highlights of 2011 will include a whole season of events held throughout the divisions (Cowes, Hamble, Itchenor, Lymington, Parkstone, Yarmouth), a centenary race in Edwardian yachting kit at Lymington on June 3, Cowes Classic Week in July and Cowes Week itself in August, with a full Captain’s Cup programme and a separate Centenary Regatta. Visit www.xonedesign.org.uk to find out more.