International 14 Hoptons Cup at Itchenor Sailing Club

The Itchenor Hoptons 14 Open Meeting was run on the 10th & 17th July. Due to the nature of the tides, two races were run inside the harbour and two outside in Bracklesham Bay, a break from tradition.

After a two hour postponement, a 7 knot SE breeze established.

Race 1 started in a stong ebb tide pushing boats over the line meaning the black flag was deployed. It was a short windward leeward course with much weed in the harbour, making it a challenge to keep the foils clear. Katie and Chris were first around the windward mark, followed closely by Andy and Rob who had started late. Five of the boats were black flagged including Katie and Chris. Andy and Rob took the lead with Douglas and Mark coming second- benefitting from the black flag.

International 14 Hoptons Cup at Itchenor - photo © Caroline Gosford

Race 2 saw a cautious fleet get off to a clean start. Andy and Rob led from start to finish, showing off skills including their ability to dodge the weed! Martin and Ian took 2nd place followed by Katie and Chris in 3rd.

The second Saturday had a larger turnout of boats and saw good racing in Bracklesham Bay on a sausage, triangle course. With a Southerly breeze of 7-8 knots, Archie and Harvey led around the windward mark followed by Glen and Ed with Douglas and Mark in close pursuit. A close battle was fought for the rest of the race between Archie/Harvey and Glen/Ed. Douglas/ Mark kept close by, remaining a threat. On the final run to the finish, Archie/ Harvey, Glen/Ed went for an early gybe while Douglas/Mark rolled the dice and went for the right hand side of the course. This proved fruitful and Douglas/Mark crossed Archie/Harvey on port to take the win.

International 14 Hoptons Cup at Itchenor - photo © Caroline Gosford

The final race saw Archie/Harvey get an early break from the pack to lead the race. Dan/Alex were in second followed by Douglas/Mark. Glen/Ed fought hard and came through to third place by the finish.

Congratulations to this years Hoptons winners Andy and Rob, who's strong results on day one meant they won on count back, leaving Douglas/ Mark in second and Robin & Martin Pascal in third.

Overall Results: