Itchenor Sailing Club to celebrate 50 years of Junior Fortnight

Mirror racing during Junior Fortnight at Itchenor © Mary Pudney

Itchenor Sailing Club's popular family sailing event, Junior Fortnight will be celebrating its 50th anniversary when it takes place from 30th July to Friday 10th August.

Supported by Handelsbanken, this ever-popular event provides young sailors aged 8 to 18 with the opportunity to test their skills in dinghy racing. Junior Fortnight heralds the start of the summer holidays for many, with over 200 sailors taking part in Mirror, Topper, Feva XL, Laser Radial and International 420 classes.

The annual sailing event has been a popular fixture on Itchenor Sailing Club's calendar and this year will be no exception with families from the South East flocking to the Chichester-based sailing club.

The 50th anniversary celebrations this year will reflect the spirit of the event, including the extensive social programme which has become a hallmark of Junior Fortnight.

The event plays host to garden games, parties, team boat building and a talent night amongst other activities, all designed to bolster confidence and foster enthusiasm and a sense of community in young sailors. In addition, parents have the chance to get involved by volunteering to support the races and competing in races such as the Mothers' Topper event and the Parents' Single Handed races.

"We're very proud to be celebrating 50 years of our successful youth sailing programme here at Itchenor," said Neil Hart, Commodore of Itchenor Sailing Club. "We're so keen to encourage the next generation of sailors because of the many benefits it can bring including being great exercise and helping to develop teamwork and leadership skills. We're proud that Junior Fortnight has become a highlight in the calendar for many, and we're confident that it will continue to run for many years to come."

The event is this year being generously supported by Handelsbanken, Jonathan Hughes, Branch Manager comments: "Handelsbanken Chichester is delighted to be the principal sponsor of this year's Junior Fortnight, especially as 2018 represents the 50th anniversary of the event. We wish all of the competitors success for the Fortnight and the future, and look forward to following their progress."

All Junior Fortnight competitors must be members of ISC, a Federated Chichester Harbour Club, an RYA affiliated club, or crewing for a member of such a club. Classes which may take part are Mirror, Topper, Feva XL, International 420 and Laser Radial.

For more information on participating in Junior Fortnight visit www.itchenorsc.co.uk or contact the club office on 01243 512400.

Topper racing during Junior Fortnight at Itchenor - photo © Mary Pudney