Crewsaver 2000 Millennium Series Round 2 at Chichester Yacht Club

Fergus Barnham and Abbie Hewitt win Crewsaver 2000 Millennium Series Round 2 at Chichester © Ian Frogley

With a forecast that looked worryingly light, 29 boats arrived at Chichester in beautiful sunshine for a lazy mid-afternoon start to the racing.

The first race had a 30 minute delay while the high pressure held back the tide. Nick Colbourne set a windward/leeward course in the south westerly light breeze. The race was won by Lee Sydenham who managed to complete the course ahead of Fergus Barnham and Abbie Hewitt just before the wind died. Many others were not so fortunate, suffering a brief period sitting in still air while others seemed to find a puff and go past them.

The second race started with a similar course, the wind had recovered (8-10kts), but half way through the second lap, the wind shifted by 100 degrees to an easterly, turning the race into a procession of reaches and fetches. Nick, after consulting the racing rules, decided to abandon the race. After a rapid re-laying of the course, the second race was restarted. This time Rob and Sarah Burridge came to the front ahead of Fergus and Abbie.

In the third race, Lee Sydenham set himself a challenge as, after collecting his new crew, he set off a full leg behind the fleet. Even so he managed to climb half way through the fleet. Race three was won by Ali and Graham Barker, followed by Fergus and Abbie.

Day 2 showed a lot more promise with a much better 12-15kt south westerly wind. In race four, Fergus and Abbie convincingly led the field in the strongest wind of the weekend followed by Chris and Gillian Jordan. Race five saw Lee Sydenham and Rob Burridge take first and second places, with Fergus and Abbie having a rare drop from the top two places.

In the final race, after a general recall caused by the strengthening tide, the race officer set a black flag to deter the fleet from pressing to the line, and Rob and Sarah reclaimed the leading position with Ali and Graham in second.

After a weekend's close racing with four different winners of races, the overall winners were the consistently competitive Fergus and Abbie who came out on top ahead of Rob and Sarah Burridge and Ali and Graham Barker.

The top CYC boat was Pete Harrison sailing with Beth Albone in a respectable sixth place. Second CYC boat was helmed by Matt Ponsford sailing with Laurie Winther. Third were Chris Hodge and Louise Varley. The Endeavour prize for last boat completing all six races was awarded to Rick Page and Ian Sellwood.

Many thanks to everyone at CYC for organising the event and thanks to Crewsaver for their sponsorship of the event.

Overall Results: