Feva fever hits Chichester ... Going Solo at Dell Quay

Gusty winds were perhaps enjoyed most by the more experienced sailors.

Race officer Martin Orton set a straightforward course in Chichester Basin and the first race saw a general recall, with over-enthusiasm meaning a number of boats were over.

The fleet was dominated by the superb sailing of Jovian Short and Guy Wilkinson (Torbay SC) (pictured above), who were only really challenged by Anna Prescott and Jess Eales (Lymington Town SC).

Short and Wilkinson won races one, three and four but made a simple error in race two, missing out the gate and being disqualified. This gave Prescott and Eales the race-two win to secure them second place overall.

Barnaby Blackstone (Bewl Valley) and William Proud (Chichester YC) achieved an excellent second in race two with a couple of fourths to boot. Chay and Stirling Taylor (Burnham SC) also did well with a second and a third.

It was a fabulous day’s racing with fantastic help from the safety boats and the tea bar. Guildford Marine sponsored the event.

Results: 1 Jovian Short & Guy Wilkinson (Torbay SC), 2 Anna Prescott & Jess Eales (Lymington Town SC), 3 Barnaby Blackstone (Bewl Valley) & William Proud (CYC), 4 Chay & Stirling Taylor (Burnham SC), 5 Hugo Andrews & Elliott Spenceley-Corfield (HISC), 6 Robert Masterman & Tommy Darling (HISC).

A fine day brought out 18 sailors for some club racing. They had a good race, with visitor Huw Powell in his RS100 finishing second.

Nick and Roger Elliman finished well ahead on the water and a mere second ahead of the RS100 on handicap, just taking first place. Mark Harper (Finn) put in a good time to take third.

There was a good turnout of sailors for the RNLI regatta but force seven to eight winds forced abandonment of racing.

DELL QUAY

Sixteen Solo dinghies from Dell Quay and Chichester YC attended race training at Dell Quay SC.

Led by Steve Ede and Mike Ball from the National Solo Class Association, the on-the-water sessions included sailing without using the rudder and short practice races.

Other classes sailed two races in the Early Helm series. Anne and Jim Norfolk (Laser 2000) were first across the line and well ahead on handicap in the first race from Chris Wood (Streaker) in second and Roger Francis and Karen Price (Graduate) third.

In the second race, Wood was placed just 30 seconds ahead of the Norfolks on handicap with Francis and Price again third.

In the two class races on Sunday, the Solos were able to put their training into practice, but it was skill at interpreting wind shifts on the long upwind leg which proved decisive in close racing.

Bill Dawber continued to set the pace with his fifth and sixth consecutive wins in the 12-race series.

Malcolm Buchanan gained one second place and Chris Ede another with Gordon Barclay achieving two thirds.

In the Laser 2000 fleet, the Norfolks led from start to finish in both races. Behind them Roy and Beryl Dyton had close racing with John Purdy and Chris Campbell, gaining a second and third place each.

In the handicap fleet, Martin and Sarah Greenhalgh (Wayfarer) consolidated their lead in the series with two first places.

Bob Marshall and Neil Bryant (RS 400) finished second in both races, while husband and wife Andrew and Nikki Buchanan sailing his-and-hers Lasers took one third place each.

ITCHENOR

Owners, crew and guests gathered at Itchenor for a Solent Sunbeam open day and were assigned boats and go out for a potter down the harbour and familiarise themselves with these classic keelboats, many more than 85 years old.

Eight boats went out in the morning with 12 guests. All flew a spinnaker at some point and came back tacking up the Itchenor Reach close together. Over lunch there was lots of chatter about the yachts, the new GRP Sunbeams and the racing programme.

In the afternoon ten Sunbeams went out racing with guests.

For those unable to make the open day, the Sunbeams race on a Thursday evening and at weekends. Crews meet 6pm at Itchenor SC and have dinner afterwards. There are boats for sale, helming and crewing opportunities.

Call 01243 512400 or see www.solentsunbeam.co.uk.

BOGNOR

Bognor YC throw open their doors – and boats – to the public this weekend.

The Victoria Road South club will be open from 11am on Saturday and Sunday to show visitors what they offer.

The recognised RYA training establishment can offer sailing courses in dinghies and catamarans to youngsters and adults, plus powerboat and safety boat courses. Informal coaching is available for windsurfing.

There is a spacious clubhouse with a lounge, a licensed bar and a galley. There is a lawn for relaxing, having a drink or watching the boats.

A boat park is available for catamarans, dinghies, windsurfers and kayaks which are becoming popular.

Racing takes place on Sundays from April until mid-October.

Go along this weekend and have a look or visit bryc.co.uk