Hayling National Champs: Top Tips

This is what i've got so far, what do you think? Any you like, or more to add?

RS200 Volvo Noble Marine National Championships 2014: Event tips!

I’ve not got the greatest tactical knowledge of the bay, despite sailing at HISC for a few years. I’ve always followed the simple strategy ‘go left and go fast; or get rolled and resort to the right’, beyond that I don’t have anything earth shattering for you. However, what I can usefully share is some of the lesser known tips for getting the best from Hayling. Even if they don’t improve your results, hopefully they will add to your enjoyment of the event!

1.     Get on your bike: The causeway is a surprisingly long walk, and unless you’re one of the lucky few, chances are you’ll be staying off site. Finding parking each day is hassle, so it’s best to cycle to the club. You can even leave your car on site with your main supplies in if you get a good spot early in the week. And if you can’t bring your bike with you local bike hire is available: http://www.bp-assoc.co.uk/

2.     Post sail ice cream from http://www.pepperellis.co.uk/: Located just 5 minutes from the club by bike, near the end of Southwood Road, is the famous Pepperellis ice cream parlour. With a range of over 40 flavours plus the best sundaes you’ll get in Hampshire it is well worth a visit.

3.     Beach BBQ: There are plenty of beaches around the island, as I’m sure you’d guess! But the best is definitely at the sailing club; however most visitors never see it, as it’s on the other side to the main car park next to the lagoon. If the evenings are balmy there is no better spot to light up and burn some meat. Just make sure you leave it as idyllic as you found it.

4.     Visit Portsmouth: Heaven forbid a day should be lost, but if it is and it’s not ‘beach’ weather the head to Portsmouth, a historic waterfront city. Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Gun Wharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower, Spice Island and the battlements. If you have any none sailing support crew in attendance Portsmouth is a must do day trip! http://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/

5.     Find your form at Fed Week: The Chichester Harbour Federation hosts from HISC one of the most highly regarded and popular regatta weeks in the country with up to 300 boats racing and some of the best socials outside of the 200 fleet. This year it falls the week before the Nationals. With a class start, 40-50 200’s and only one race per day with leisurely start times, it’s a great opportunity to find your form and it’s no surprise that past winners have gone on to place highly at the Nationals. At £58 for the week, or £15 a day, it’s cheap too!

6.     A seat in the sun: HISC is famous for great balcony views over the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But if you walk out from the bar and all the benches are taken don’t fear! Take a left and follow and balcony around for more seating. This spot also gets the best of the evening sun! 

7.     Spot the seals: Chichester and Langstone Harbours have one the of the largest seal populations in the UK. You’ll often see adults out foraging through the harbour and even in the bay. However, at low tide they haul out and sun bath of the mud flats to the north east of the club, accessible by a small creek. If you have family down they can rent a boat from the club to access the creek or you can just take your 200 down after sailing. 

8.     Golf: Unscheduled lay day? Don’t find sailing frustrating enough? Then try golf. There’s a nice par three on the seafront toward the west of the island.

9.     Beware the bar: No, not the clubhouse bar, dangerous though that can be, but the sand bar! To the west of the harbour entrance lies the notorious bar with mast snapping waves. Be sure to leave ‘West Pole’ to starboard going out and port coming in from the bay.

10.  Take the road less travelled: With just one bridge heading on and off the island, traffic can sometime be an issue.  If you set off home, only to be greeted by traffic, take a right on to Yew Tree Road and through Northney, coming out by the bridge to skip the ques. Better still, this scenic route passes two great tea rooms at Meadow Farm and Northney Farm so you can fuel up for the journey home.