Solent Sunbeam Chisholm Weekend at Itchenor Sailing Club
by Rachel Soothill 7 May 21:50 BST
4-5 May 2019
Solent Sunbeam Chisholm Weekend © Rupert Peace
The Solent Sunbeam Class enjoyed the 31st running of the Chisholm Weekend over the early-May Bank Holiday weekend at Itchenor Sailing Club. The weekend is always one of the best-attended events in the Solent Sunbeam Class and this year was no different, despite a cold stiff NW breeze, with 16 boats competing.
The Chisholm weekend comprises four races on Chichester Harbour, competing for the Chisholm Weekend Trophy in honour of Sir Henry Chisholm. He was instrumental not only in growing the class at Itchenor in the 1960s and 1970s but also in restoring many boats and thus arguably rescuing the fleet from oblivion.
The weather got the better of the fleet on the Saturday. The class aimed to race two races, but only four completed the first race and with the wind gusting to 30 knots, the second race was abandoned.
On the Sunday, 14 boats started the 1st race in light airs with two short beats up to Star then down to East Head. Ollie Gilchrist in Sky led the way to the first mark, but when the fleet split on the run back down, the fleet that chose the east side of the run had the advantage of more wind. This enabled Roger Wickens in Danny to move up to lead the fleet by the time she reached the leeward mark, followed closely by Alan Stannah in Spray and Mike Weston in Jabberwocky. After a second lap these positions remained unchanged.
In the second race, Roger Wickens in Danny led at the first mark, followed closely by Mike Weston in Jabberwocky and Richard Pearson in Penny. Penny unfortunately hit the mark and had to do a penalty turn. Tim Hill in Query moved into second place and third place was closely fought with Jabberwocky pipping Nick Leach in Polly for third place.
Overall, Roger Wickens in Danny won the Henry Chisholm trophy having sailed a consistent series with three firsts.
Overall Results: (top three)
1. V26 Danny - Roger Wickens, Tim Martell, Jacky Wickens
2. V25 Query Tim Hill, Jacqui Evans, Jenny Yeates
3. V66 Molly Richard Stephens, Tina Webster, Henry Dembinski
To find out more please visit www.itchenorsc.co.uk or call 01243 512400.