Itchenor Sailing Club welcomes families for its annual Junior Fortnight
by Rebecca Oldfield 2 Jul 2016 18:43 BST
25 July - 5 August 2016
Junior Fortnight at Itchenor Sailing Club in 2015 © Mary Pudney
Itchenor Sailing Club is pleased to announce that this summer will see the return of its popular family sailing event, Junior Fortnight on 25th July - 5th August.
Heralding the start of the summer holidays, Junior Fortnight provides young sailors aged 8 to 18, with the opportunity to test out their skills in dinghy racing. Last year's event saw 230 competitors of all abilities; take to the waters in Mirror, Laser, Topper and International 420 classes.
The annual sailing competition has been a popular fixture on Itchenor Sailing Club's calendar for over 50 years and this year will be no exception as the club gets set to welcome families from across the South for water-based activities.
An integral part of the fortnight, the social programme is packed full of activities for children from pool parties, garden games, raft races to crabbing competitions and quiz nights. One of the highlights of the social timetable last year included a talk by Volvo Ocean Race winning skipper and Itchenor member Ian Walker.
Parents are also given the opportunity to sail themselves in fun races such as the Mothers' Topper event and the Parents' Single Handed races. The social timetable caters for adults too, as each year the club hosts a Parents Party – a themed evening with drinks and dinner.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the event is watching the young competitors' confidence and sailing skills improve throughout the two weeks. For some it is an introduction to the world of dinghy racing, but it is unlikely to be their last, as unsurprisingly, many will return year after year for this great event," comments Commodore of Itchenor Sailing Club, Charles Hyatt.
All Junior Fortnight competitors must be members of either Itchenor Sailing Club, a Federated Chichester Harbour Club, a RYA affiliated club, or crewing for a member of such a club. Classes that can take part include Mirror, Laser, Topper and International 420.
As part of a five-year sponsorship agreement with MPI Brokers, the travel insurance specialist will be sponsoring Junior Fortnight as well as the annual Schools Week event.
For more information on participating in Junior Fortnight visit www.itchenorsc.co.uk or contact the club office on 01243 512400.