Snowflake honours dished out as Chichester sailors head to London

In the fast fleet in race nine the Merlin Rocket of Jon Gorringe and Nicola Bass (Parkstone SC) got well away from the chasing RS 400s and Fireball.

A little further back, the RS200 contingent were fighting for some of the top places. Andy Shaw and Tim Goodhew had a keen race with George Yeoman and Sophie Ormsby, with the Goodhews finishing a few seconds ahead, to take second on handicap.

In race ten Gorringe and Bass in their Merlin again got away from the fleet with the RS400 of Nick and Roger Elliman (CYC) close behind. The RS200s were again competing for top places.

This time Yeoman and Ormsby got away from the Goodhews but had stiff competition from David and Fiona Sayce. Series results: 1 George Yeoman & Sophie Ormsby (RS200, Itchenor), 2 Steve & Sarah Cockerill (Merlin Rocket, Hill Head SC), 3 David & Fiona Sayce (RS200, HISC), 4 Charlie Tavener (Finn, Bosham SC), 5 Nick Creak (Blaze, Rock SC).

In the medium fleet, the Solos were out in force.

The two National 12s led off - William Warren and Sophie Mackley followed by John and Katy Meadowcroft (Upper Thames SC). Ian Payne (CYC) had a good race at the front of the Laser contingent but fell back on handicap. Mark Harper (Solo) was first, second was Warren and Mackley and third was Ray Collins (Solo).

In race ten, Warren and Mackley had a harder time keeping ahead of the Meadowcrofts but kept on the pressure to take first with Harper second.

Series results: 1 William Warren & Sophie Mackley (National 12, Shoreham SC), 2 Mark Harper (Solo, CYC), 3 Luke South (Laser, CYC), 4 Ray Collins (Solo, Locks SC), 5 Jimmy Carter (Laser, CYC).

The slow fleet was composed entirely of youngsters under 16 who did well.

In race nine Ben & Tom Weston (Itchenor) in their Mirror and Alex Butler in an RS Tera had some interesting racing, with the Mirror finishing just ahead on the line taking first, with Butler second.

Billy Venius-Ozanne and Andre Ozanne were third in an RS Feva, with Jessica Carter sneaking into fourth on handicap.

The Mirror retired home to Itchenor before race ten, in which Butler was first, Carter was second, Harry Kennedy third and Charlie South fourth. South is just nine and put in a remarkable performance in his Topper 4.2.

Series results: 1 Alex Butler (RS Tera, HISC), 2 Jessica Carter (Topper, CYC), 3 Harry Kennedy (Laser, Hill Head), 4 Charlie South (Topper, CYC), 5 Charlotte Reading (Topper, CYC).

Prizegiving was held in the Upper Deck after racing. Over the series more than 100 boats took part despite the cold weather.

Chichester YC’s club racing season begins this Sunday.

* Chichester Yacht Club once again exhibited at the RYA Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace. Members of Chichester Yacht Club were on hand on their new stand to introduce people to sailing in Chichester Harbour and promote the area and the club.

There was steady interest. Members also chatted to visitors about the RYA courses on offer at CYC. Adult and junior courses are available to members & non-members.

Those joining CYC can be sure of a great package of training for those who wish to improve their sailing.

Information was also available about CYC and open meetings for 2013, including Dinghy Week in August. CYC also have a radio-controlled Laser section which attracted interest.

Visitors to the Dinghy Show were also able to look at new boat designs, update themselves on the new racing rules, catch up with old friends and listen to talks by RYA coaches and Olympic sailors.

One young member of CYC - Blythe Berry - entered the LDC competition to design a sail for a RS Tera dinghy. Blythe was thrilled to be the winner - and her fantastic prize is a RS Tera dinghy.