Thorney Island Sailing Club Regatta

Brilliant sunshine and a good 15 knot breeze greeted competitors for TISC’s annual regatta.

Starting from the club line in Thorney Creek, the fast handicap and RS400 fleets had a glorious marathon race around the harbour, which took them to East Head, right up towards Itchenor, round Dunes opposite Hayling, and back up towards Itchenor, with various marks in between, before sailing back up the creek and past the clubhouse and doubling back to the finish - a fantastic spectacle for those viewing from ashore. In the shifty and gusty conditions, the course presented a varied challenge for crews, with shore-hugging beats against the tide and a couple of long downwind legs.

For the slower handicap fleets a shorter course ensured all the boats were ashore at a similar time in order to enjoy TISC’s famous tea and cakes before the visiting keelboats, including a large contingent of Sunbeams and XODs from Itchenor, made their way back home.

In the fast handicap fleet it was Alex Thorsby, who sailed his 800 round from Emsworth Slipper SC for the event, who led the fleet out of Thorney creek, and soon zoomed ahead, enjoying the spectacular blast around the harbour. Second went to TISC’s Martin Brooks and Claire Wright in their Laser 4000 who finished seven minutes behind the RS800 of Mike Lilywhite who had to settle for third.

The medium handicap prize went to the well-sailed Laser of Pete McCoy ahead of the RS300 of Rick Kennedy and the Buzz of Neil Mant. In the slow handicap there was only one entry, the familiar face of Brian Pilcher in his Devon Yawl with a keen young crew who certainly enjoyed their day.

In the RS400s, Matt Johnston and Gael Pawson led from the start, with a narrow lead over Mike Bayne and Roy Seivers, which they extended on the first downwind blast towards Itchenor. Ben and Louise Davies won the battle for third place.

As usual, a healthy entry of Sunbeams and XODs made the trip round from Itchenor SC for the event. In the XODs it was sail number 186 which took the top prize ahead of ‘Relaxation’, while in the Sunbeams ‘Query’ finished first with ‘Little Lady’ second.

The day finished with tea and as-ever, a fabulous selection of cakes, which over the years has meant TISC maintains a reputation for putting on the best spread in the harbour. Special thanks to Tim Weedon who ensured the regatta went smoothly, the band of helpers both ashore and on the water, as well as the visiting sailors who all helped make it a spectacular day.

Overall Results:

Fast Handicap

Medium Handicap

Slow Handicap

RS400

XOD

Sunbeam