An exciting new season ahead at Itchenor Sailing Club
by Louisa Green 3 Apr 2016 12:13 BST
3 April 2016
Itchenor Sailing Club © Itchenor SC
Itchenor Sailing Club in Chichester is getting geared up for an exciting 2016 sailing season which will see them play host to plenty of competitive racing amongst their classic keelboat and dinghy fleets as well as national events including the Mirror Championships.
Itchenor's excellent reputation for high quality racing has meant that this year it has the honour of hosting the RS200 Spring Championships on the 22nd and 23rd April. One of the biggest open meetings on the RS200 calendar, the Club expects to see up to 40 boats over the weekend.
Points Week returns on the 20th June; the annual club racing week will attract around 50 XODs, Sunbeams and Swallows for daily races taking advantage of the whole of Chichester Harbour. Points Week will also form part of this year's 70th anniversary celebrations of the National Swallow.
For younger members, Itchenor's Junior Fortnight offers two weeks of fun, learning and competitive sailing to children aged 8 to 18 years. The event caters for all abilities, with pre-race briefings and on water training to help develop the skills and confidence of young sailors. The hugely popular event is organised by parents and has become just as well known for its social events as it has for its sailing.
Schools Week is another regular fixture at the Club with participants coming from around the world to attend and represent their schools. The week, sponsored by MPI Brokers and with the support of JDX Consulting, starts with the RS Feva XL event on the 27th and 28th June aimed at competitors in school years 7 to 10. The second part of the week is occupied by older students in Fireflies and 420s who enjoy a day of training on the Wednesday followed by two days of racing for a number of prestigeous trophies.
Another highlight of 2016 will be the Mirror Class National Championships, it is expected that around 60 boats will descend on Itchenor for this much-anticipated annual event that will be held on the 22nd - 25th August.
For those interested in getting involved in sailing at Itchenor, the Club will once again be holding an Open Day on Sunday 22nd May for potential new members to come along and experience class racing with the opportunity to go afloat in a wide range of boats throughout the day. To find out more call 01243 512400.