Chichester Harbour Race Week 2022 – Tuesday Race Report

Tuesday started with a gloomy overcast sky and rain, yes the wet stuff we had forgotten existed, and which actually appeared as forecast, but as competitors started rigging, the rain out. The forecast on most of the renowned weather models (we are sure they all use the same underlying data) was for a 10 knot Southerly from about midday onwards.  

 

After yesterday’s annoying shift late during the start sequence the nervous race officers for Series A & B decided to keep the fleet ashore for a short time.  As CHRW regulars will understand it’s impossible to alter 2 courses (Series A and B have to move in unison) once the first few starts are away. After 20 mins or so the wind seemed settled at 120 so both Series A & B fleets was released and the race was on.  The start line for Lady ‘G’ (Series A) was in the vicinity of Channel buoy, the windward mark near John Davies and the gybe mark near SW Pilsey.  A good sized course for the wind strength so 2 rounds were set for all classes.

As the race progressed the predicted shift to the south happened but thankfully gradually.

The leading Fireballs, Simon Kings/Jono Looe and Nathan and Joanne Rushin, were neck a neck approaching the finish line with Kings on starboard and Rushins on port but the Rushins made a bad tack which let Simon and Jono through for their second win.

In the Fast handicap, the Flying 15 sailed by Nick Peters and Guy McBride always looked well placed and indeed took the win on corrected time.

In the intriguing battle of the classes (Hadron H2, DZero and RS Aero 9) it Was David Valentine from Emsworth Slipper home first in his Devoti DZero.

There were different faces at the front of the Finn fleet today with Richard Sharp  today’s winner.  I think this fleets results will go down to the wire this year.

It was interesting to see the well sailed RS800 of Frances and Tom Partington edge out the RS400 of Steve and Sarah Cockerill today. Andrew Gould in his Musto skiff once again came 3rd on corrected time. Josh Stokes and Gregan Bergmann-Smith once again dominated the 29er’s with a comfortable victory.  

In the RS200 now up to 40 boats is was once again the brother and sister team of Tom and Charlie Darling taking another good win from Aidan and Ella Mitchell .

It’s great to see so many family teams entered and at the front end of most of the 2 person fleets.

 

On Series C the third race started on time with 8-10 knots SE wind, and very close racing in the Tera fleet, with places 2 – 4 changing throughout the race. The course was shortened to 3 laps due to time and wind swinging to the south. The Oppies had their best start so far with all boats across the start line within 5 seconds of the gun. An incredibly close finish between 5813 and 6629 with 5813 just managing to snatch the lead 5 seconds before the finish.

On Race 4 the course was adjusted to accommodate the southerly breeze. One Oppie capsized, one boat was repaired mid race with both sailors showing maturity and resilience. The Tera’s race proved very competitive with close racing but with the Tera Pro 1225, Harry Slight, (ESC) still managing his 4^th successive win. 

 

Greg Wells & Robert Macdonald.