Optimist Open at Chichester Yacht Club

Optimist Open at Chichester Yacht Club 2014 © Jane Snook

The annual Chichester Yacht Club Optimist Open meeting part of the Southern Travellers Series took place on Saturday 30 August. The event was generously sponsored by Marine Superstore and attracted a fleet of fifty local and visiting Optimist sailors. A bright morning greeted the competitors and an afternoon tide made for a relaxed morning of arrivals and boat preparation with great enthusiasm amongst the youngsters keen to see the arrival of the water to go racing.

The 38 boat Main Fleet was made up of a mix of National and Zone Optimist squad sailors and regular racers. The wind started around west, with a little north in it at times, and a reasonable F4 allowing the Main fleet to sail a trapezoidal course with the challenge of the windward mark laid in the stronger tide mid-channel. As the wind was blowing slightly off the northern shore, there were significant shifts to be exploited. The start line was laid with little wind bias but some tide advantage to the pin end for the first race. With a slightly fresher wind at the start the fleet got away cleanly and spread out across the water. Towards the end of that race the wind started to back toward South west so the course was adjusted quickly before race 2 and with the tide easing and reversing during the race there were good strategic challenges to be met. After a good long race 2, the course was adjusted again to give more of a sprint course for race 3 as the wind had eased a little and the downwind legs were slowed by the tide. That squeezed the fleet into many close manoeuvres around the course. Chichester YC sailors Julia Mellors and Arthur Fry took first and second place respectively with Henry Chandler of Emsworth SC third.

The 12 boat Regatta fleet included local and national club sailors, one sailor taking part in his first open meeting. All three races close to the club house offered an excellent view for spectators. All the races were closely contested. One point decided the final results with Cam Yates taking first place, Alice Snook of Chichester YC second and Cameron Hook in third.

To round off a fantastic days racing, Chichester Yacht Club put on its usual fine Regatta Tea. Trophies and prizes were awarded and special thanks were given to Marine Superstore for supporting the event with prizes of Zhik sailing wear accompanying the glassware.

Overall Results: