Open for business! Chichester sailors host RS400 fleet

Chichester Yacht Club’s first open event of 2021 took place on a cold Saturday morning. The northerly wind was biting as the 18 competitor boats arrived at the club.
By Community sport reporter
Published 16th Apr 2021, 09:30 BST
RS400 action at Chichester Yacht Club / Picture: Mark GreenRS400 action at Chichester Yacht Club / Picture: Mark Green
RS400 action at Chichester Yacht Club / Picture: Mark Green

CYC has taken many precautions to minimise Covid risks to volunteers and competitors.

Race officer Nick Colbourne had put a briefing on YouTube and WhatsApp and it was used to communicate the course. Competitors prepared their boats in the car park, with lots of chatter between sailors pleased to see one another after lockdown.

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Race one was against a strong flooding tide and Ian Walker got a flying start from the Pin end and led for much of the beat, but Jack Holden reached the windward mark first, closely followed by Ian then Nick Craig. After four laps Nick Craig emerged as the leader.

RS400 action at CYC / Picture: Mark GreenRS400 action at CYC / Picture: Mark Green
RS400 action at CYC / Picture: Mark Green

Race two saw Ian Walker get a great start. Jack Holden and Robert Henderson took the lead, but close racing continued for the next few laps, with Nick overtaking Jack to take a second win.

In race three, Nick Craig and Toby Lewis got the best start and led the fleet with Ian Walker in close pursuit. Nick Craig and Steve Cockerill extended their leads from Jack Holden and Ian Walker.

After the three races, Nick Craig and Toby Lewis took series honours with three wins. Jack Holden and Robert Henderson took second with two second places. Steve and Sarah Cockerill took third. Ian and Emmy Walker finished fourth, followed by Sam Pickering and Emily Heath.

Bottles of wine went to winners as competitors thanked CYC for running the event

An Optimist Open will be held at CYC on May 1.