Chichester Harbour Race Week 2022 - Preview
by Simon Radford 29 Jun 2022 02:32 NZST
15-18 August 2022
Chichester Harbour Race Week © Peter Hickson
The UK's pre-eminent sailing harbour will again be the setting for the country's most well-attended open regatta when Chichester Harbour Race Week takes to the water this August.
This year the five days of racing kick off on Monday August 15. Hundreds of sailing boats will be fighting for line honours all around the harbour, making it an unmissable sight for spectators - just as it has been since the first event more than 50 years ago.
"Chichester Harbour is proud to be home to this world-class dinghy and keelboat sailing regatta again in 2022," said Simon Radford, chairman of Chichester Harbour Federation which organises Chichester Harbour Race Week.
"Our harbour is recognised not only as the busiest for dinghy and keelboat racing in the UK but possibly the world. Chichester Harbour Race Week is one time in the year when all the harbour's sailing clubs come together for a real celebration of racing."
Last year 383 boats crewed by almost 600 competitors from 65 sailing clubs from around the UK - including the 15 in the harbour - competed for trophies.
More boats than ever are expected this year, with classes for Fireballs, Flying Fifteens and Finns, RS Aeros, Hadrons and ILCA (International Laser Class Association) boats.
"From the small single-handed Optimist to a 15m cruiser racing on handicap, there will be something for everyone. It will make great racing and a wonderful spectacle for those watching from the shore," added Radford.
Chichester Harbour Federation was formed in 1923 when there were just four sailing clubs in the harbour. Today the Federation coordinates racing between the harbour's 13 active sailing clubs.
For 2022 the five-day event on August 15-18 will again be hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club, an RYA Centre of Excellence.
To find out about Race Week entry, go to chichesterharbourraceweek.sailevent.net