Lady Todd tests Chichester sailors' skills

Chris and Jessie Hodge, in a Laser 2000, claimed a series victory after making the most of gradually-improving conditions to take first place in race nine.

They were to enjoy similar fortune in wrapping up the day’s racing with another fine win for race ten - adding to their previous two third places in races six and seven.

In race nine, they were followed closely by David and Juliet Brecknell, also sailing a Laser 2000. The team showed their experience in making strong headway despite the testing conditions.

Sailing single-handed, Michael Olliff, also favouring a Laser 2000, managed third. The conditions had been so challenging in places that at times boats had been noted travelling backwards against seemingly non-existent wind.

In race ten, second place went to Isabella and Paul Mapstone in their RS200, with Mike Linney and Giles Dixon a creditable third.

The weekend had been packed with sailing, as the club’s adult training day proving extremely popular on the Saturday. There was also a well-attended youth training session before the main races.

Sunday’s racing was also contested by the medium fleet, which set off five minutes behind the fast fleet. Laurence Murray put in a decent effort gaining first place in race nine in a Solo, with Peter Hughes second and Roger Millett third.

Race ten proved a more fiercely-contested event, as Roger Millett improved his ranking in gaining first spot, followed by Peter Hughes, who just edged David Hope into third place.

Fast fleet series results: 1 Chris and Jessie Hodge (Laser 2000), 2 Helen and Mark Green (Laser 2000).

Medium fleet: 1 Roger Millett, 2 Laurence Murray (Solo), 3 John Crawley.

Slow fleet boats were not out on Sunday because of the youth training, but a number did qualify for the series.

Slow fleet series results: 1 Charlotte Reading, 2 Jessica Carter, 3 Sophie Kirk, 4 Hannah Thompson, 5 Nick Attree, (all in Toppers).

FELPHAM

MORE than 40 cadets braved difficult conditions to make the most of Felpham Sailing Club’s charity fundraising Queen’s Diamond Jubilee festivities.

Their nine safety-boat students were praised after being thrust into action as part of their training, amid testing weather conditions that forced a delay to its main sponsored sail event.

But the young sailors were determined to have fun in raising more than £750 for Chestnut Tree Children’s Hospice.

They eagerly awaited the eventual start which took place on Saturday afternoon.

Though the strong winds resulted in a number of capsizes, they had an amazing time in the fast, challenging conditions which were monitored under the watchful eye of safety boats.

Two young cadets, Nicole and Eade, aged seven, were highlighted by the club for their determination as the youngest to take part.

Their raw enthusiasm was matched by six adults who gave sailing a go for the first time and came away brimming with excitement at the experience.

After they’d dried off from their time on the water, a barbecue was rustled by senior cadets Ryan, Aldert, James and Callum.

The pair elbowed their parents out of the way to cook around 150 hot dogs and 125 burgers in fine style as a reward for the fundraising efforts of their fellow cadets.

For a full round-up of results and events calendar, visit www.felphamsailing.co.uk

BOSHAM

Excitement is building at Bosham Sailing Club as they prepare to host the Sharpie national championships on the weekend of June 23 and 24.

Upwards of 30 historic racing dinghies will converge on the club for the event, which will mark 65 years since the last great international gathering of Sharpies in these waters.

The fact it’s also 56 years since these machines were used in the Olympic Games will also probably be a very good excuse, if one is needed, for a sailors’ party.

Most of the boats will have been built in the 1930s and 1940s. Boats are expected from clubs on the north Norfolk coast as well as Dutch and German clubs.

Chichester Harbour saw many of these craft in the period before and after the Second World War with several clubs hosting a combined regatta over a whole week back in 1947 and several national events thereafter.

The 1947 event attracted entries from as far as Brazil and Portugal.

Interest in the class had grown since its first design by the Kroger Brothers in Germany in 1931 and the British fleet had become well established on the south and east coast within a decade.