2024 Bosham Regatta: A Must-Attend Sailing Event for Enthusiasts
2024 Bosham Regatta
24 August 2024
Bosham Regatta Shines Despite Stormy Weather
On Saturday, August 24th, Bosham Sailing Club hosted the 2024 Bosham Regatta, attracting 107 entries across multiple classes of boats. Despite torrential rain and gusty winds reaching up to 24 knots, competitors showcased remarkable determination as they made their way to the committee boats. The principal race management team, led by Principal Race Officer Peter Lacey along with Race Officers Frank McCormack and Richard Stephens, navigated through challenging wind shifts right before the starts.
The committee boat Glad Emma effectively started a variety of classes, including Swallows, Sunbeams, XOD keelboats, National 18s, Finns, RS400, Wayfarers, ILCAs, 420s, RS Aeros, Yachting World Day boats, and Devon Yawls. Meanwhile, the committee boat Rosie initiated races for the Tideways, Chichester Scows, Kittiwake 14, RS Fevas, Toppers, Mirrors, and exhibition rowing races from coastal quads and St Ayles skiffs, under the guidance of Frank McCormack.
The third committee boat was stationed in Cutmill to oversee three races for the Optimist fleet, directed by Richard Stephens, the BSC Optimist class captain. As the races unfolded around Chichester Harbour, the wind steadied to a more consistent 9-16 knots, setting the stage for exhilarating racing. With the sun finally breaking through, boats raced towards the Bosham Quay finish line, celebrated with cannon salutes from Canon Commander Nick Fox for each class winner.
Upon returning to shore, competitors were welcomed by the sounds of Bosham Church bells ringing for a wedding, alongside the ‘Simply Jazz Quartet’ performing at the Sailing Club, creating a joyful atmosphere. The 213 competitors, accompanied by 46 devoted volunteers, enjoyed complimentary tea and cakes while results were processed.
Richard Lewis, Commodore at BSC, delivered a heartfelt welcoming speech, expressing gratitude to sponsors Stride & Son, the tireless volunteers, and the exceptional staff of Bosham Sailing Club. He also acknowledged Steven Board (Rear Commodore Dinghies) for his efforts in organizing the regatta. Subsequently, winners were announced, and awards were presented by Nigel Glennie from Stride & Son.
Awards were given out in various classes, and full results from the event can be accessed at www.boshamsailingclub.com/results.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Name / Sail No | Helm | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swallow | |||
| 1 | S95 | James Hartley | Jeremy Sibthorp |
| 2 | Svala / S89 | Nigel Masding | Hugo Fisher |
| 3 | Marengo / S82 | Carolyn Brigg | Simon Sherman |
| Sunbeam | |||
| 1 | Sky / V68 | Oliver Gilchrist | Abby Boyd |
| 2 | Odyssey / V74 | Peter Taylor | David McGregor |
| 3 | Jabberwocky / V14 | Michael Weston | Tom McCallum |
| XOD | |||
| 1 | Xcitation / X50 | Roger Yeoman | Mike Moss |
| 2 | Ibex / X32 | Alan Perry | Steve Dover |
| National 18 | |||
| 1 | Finola / 225 | Brian Nixon | George Storton, Chris Curtis |
| 2 | Heatwave / 343 | Peter Nuttall | Philip Hocking |
| Finn | |||
| 1 | Jersey Girl / 15 | James Symons | |
| 2 | 772 | Shaun Hopkins | |
| Fast Handicap | |||
| 1 | Bully / 3190 | RS Aero 7 | Richard Bullock |
| 2 | Scooby / 1418 | RS400 | Simon Townsend, Sara Townsend |
| Yachting World Day Boat | |||
| 1 | Casspiain / 614 | Nigel Russell | Isabelle Russell |
| 2 | Daisy / 640 | Mark Ross | Ken Harper |
| 3 | Mojo / 653 | Alastair Seaton | Jacqui Seaton |
| Devon Yawl | |||
| 1 | Foudre Bleu / DY53 | Colin Giddens | Nicole Giddens |
| 2 | Chiquitita / DY150 | Guy Farnsworth | Andrew Walker |
| ILCA 6 | |||
| 1 | Soggy Dollar / 123569 | Matthew Board | |
| 2 | Aurora / 20 | Wayne Williams | |
| Medium Handicap | |||
| 1 | 3880 | RS Aero 5 | William Heydorn |
| RS Feva | |||
| 1 | 8952 | Jack Gardner | Oliver Kershaw |
| 2 | 8326 | Benji Gardner | Ludo Kameen |
| Tideway | |||
| 1 | Trixi / 410 | Chris Hitchings | |
| 2 | Cinnebar / 457 | Martyn Chase | |
| 3 | Eve / 541 | Chris Ames | Alexandra Ames |
| Chichester Scow | |||
| 1 | Happy Bunny / CS51 | Mary‑Ishbel Lee | |
| 2 | Classy Number / CS9 | Mary Brooke | |
| Slow Handicap | |||
| 1 | 48047 | Topper | Elizabeth Shaw |
| Optimists | |||
| 1 | 6078 | Jasper Mandiwall | |
| 2 | 6561 | Finn Kameen | |
| 3 | Giggles / 5225 | Noah Lloyd | |
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.