Bosham Masters at Bosham Sailing Club
by Bob Murray 27 May 2022 00:47 NZST
20-22 May 2022
Bosham Masters 2022 © Dawn Chesher
Fifty or so boats and 80 sailors enjoyed three days of close racing in ideal conditions for the Bosham Sailing Club Masters 2022, sponsored by Stride & Son on May 20-22.
Conditions were distinctly unpromising on the first morning and boats launched on a rising tide into the dregs of a rainy front with little to no wind. Breeze was forecast though, and after a postponement, racing kicked off in a strengthening westerly. As the tide turned the brisk 15-20kts that had established formed a rough chop, providing an exciting challenge.
Conditions eased somewhat to a steady southerly force 4 on the Saturday and force 3 on Sunday. Calmer waters and blue skies ensured champagne sailing on the glorious Chichester Harbour - perfect conditions for the Yachting World Day Boats that made up the largest class. Sixteen boats competed over the weekend in the YWDB Open, with visiting sailors - some sailing from Bosham for the first time - giving the event a big thumbs up.
Prizes were awarded by Tom Prower of sponsors Stride & Son at a packed prize-giving on the club terrace on Sunday afternoon. Tom had also been out on the water - finishing fourth in his new YWDB in what was only the second time he had sailed it.
It was tight at the top overall with three sailors counting a perfect four firsts in their class results. Chichester Scow maestro Izzy Lee was crowned Bosham Master 2022 on countback. Particular mention goes to Nigel and Isabelle Russell who won every race they sailed, in their first-time out in a YWDB. Class winners were:
- Fast handicap - Owen Davies (Finn)
- YWDB - Nigel & Isabelle Russell
- Devon Yawl - Patrick Disney & Ken Harper
- Medium Handicap - Gregor & Sarah Grant (Fairey Falcon)
- Chichester Scow - Izzy Lee
- Tideway - Ian Wheeler
- Slow handicap - Michael Camps (Chichester 12)
Full results here...
Additional trophies were awarded to:
- Male over 70 with lowest points not winning their class - Simon Veysey (YWDB)
- Female over 65 with lowest points not winning their class - Mary Brooke (Chichester Scow)
- Highest points including discards having sailed all six races - Mary Brooke (Chichester Scow)
- Most courageous capsize - Duncan Wilson & Steve Tomlinson (Jollyboat)
The racing was matched by a full social programme with lavish cream teas served every day, a memorable Saturday evening on the terrace with live music from the Simply Jazz Quartet and a superb bowl-food selection served al fresco.
"The Bosham Masters is back with a bang; roll on next year," said from the organising team behind this year's event.
"With the essential support of Stride & Son, BSC pulled out all the stops to make the Masters 2022 a roaring success. Many thanks must go to the staff and 25 volunteers needed each day - from race teams, safety boat crew, results processors, cake bakers and sandwich makers - who contributed so much to making the event so safe and enjoyable for all who took part."