Bosham Regatta 2023 at Bosham Sailing Club

by Cossie Lewis 8 Sep 2023 02:36 NZST 2 September 2023

Bosham Regatta 2023 © Paul Adams / www.harbourimages.co.uk

Last Saturday 140 boats and 250 sailors took part in the annual Bosham Regatta. Champagne conditions, canon finishes, and a superb regatta tea meant it was the perfect day on the water.

The forecast was predicting ample sunshine, but a light and unstable breeze provided some concern for the race team as the weekend also saw the highest and strongest tide of the year so far. Thankfully, however, the breeze filled in just as the fleets were launching to around 8-12 knots, sometimes dropping just below.

The racing was kicked off by the rowers at 10:15. They completed a sprint loop of the Bosham channel and returned raising their oars for the sailors as they started to launch.

Each boat had one race scheduled, and with representatives from across the harbour there were 14 starts on 3 separate committee boats for the impressive 25 classes, a notable increase from last year! Competitors ranged from aged 8 to 80 and a special mention must go to Itchenor Sailing Club for their 35 entrants, including International 14s and keelboats. First race was the National Swallow fleet at just before midday, the 13-boats toured the harbour and after some impressively tight racing saw Osprey, helmed by Jeremy Sipthorp take the victory.

Bosham Regatta 2023 - photo © Paul Adams / www.harbourimages.co.uk

The race officer teams, despite being faced by challenging conditions and misplaced harbour marks, ensured that all the following races remained on time and each fleet was challenged and entertained. The fast handicap fleet provided a particular challenge to them as the fleet ranged from club Bahia's to the International 14s. Despite a big difference in speed and excitement level, the race remained competitive with International 14s, wayfarer's and Bahia's ending up in the top 5.

In typical Bosham fashion, the Chichester Scow and Tideway fleets did not fail to impress and provided arguably the most competitive races of the day. Congratulations to Ian Barnett helming Mr Toad for winning the Scow fleet and Richard Wilde helming Red Shank for his win in the Tideway.

Bosham Regatta 2023 - photo © Paul Adams / www.harbourimages.co.uk

The biggest fleet of the regatta was the optimists who remained inside the channel and took part in a shorter three race series. With sibling rivalries, sailors as young as 8 competing and prizes for both the best dismount and the most improved, the event was particularly thrilling! After some close races ending in a one-point lead overall, Henry King ultimately secured the victory.

All the races finished by canon fire at Bosham Quay making the atmosphere incredibly special and exciting. Competitors were then welcomed ashore by a regatta tea that to many was the highlight of the day. You could almost say that the biggest competition was fought between the race team and the tea team for which part of the day was the most enjoyable. The event wrapped up with prize-giving at 4:30pm which saw helms and crews crowded onto the terrace and brand-new balcony. Overall, it was a great success and an event that we all look forward to next year! A huge thank you to all the volunteers, club staff, our sponsor Stride & Son, and competitors who made it such a memorable day.

Overall Results:

Chichester Scow
1st: Ian Barnett

Devon Yawl
1st: Eduardo Aldaz-Carroll, Emma Bryant

Finn
1st: Matthew Sim

Laser Std/ ILCA 7
1st: Jeremy Fowke

Sunbeam
1st: Becky Wickens

Swallow
1st: Jeremy Sibthorp

Tideway
1st: Richard Wilde

XOD
1st: Richard Yeoman

Yachting World Dayboat
1st: Bruce Garrett, Simon Veysey

National 18s
1st: Nick Phillips, Tom Reid Mags Watney

Topper
1st: Charlie Mealing