Dell Quay Sailing Club
Dinghy Racing Race Reports
Evening 3 Race Report and East Head Cruise
(Published in the Chichester Observer on 12th June 2014 - Photos below)
Warm sunshine and light winds provided some pleasant weekend sailing for Dell Quay members and their families.
On Sunday Race Officer Phil Ingrams set a figure of eight course for race 3 of the DQSC Evening series. At the front of the fleet Rob Corfield (RS400) and Andy Gray (Finn) made a good start followed closely by Peter King (RS400).
In the light winds the three leading boats had good close racing, with the Finn able to sail directly downwind and the RS400s needing to gybe downwind to gain some speed. Further back Anne and Jim Norfolk (2000) demonstrated their considerable skill and experience to take first place on corrected time, with Gray 2nd and Warwick Hoddy/John Denyer (2000) 3rd.
Meanwhile, it was with some trepidation that three brave crews and a safety boat crew gathered at the club on Saturday morning for the scheduled East Head cruise, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Chichester Harbour AONB.
Mark Record and his crew Ping hit the water in their Albacore ‘Provocation’ whilst the rest enjoyed the shelter of the club and boat shed as the heavens delivered the promised very heavy rain. Once the rain had passed Wayfarers ”Sunny Lady” and “Jumblies” set off on the remainder of the ebb tide with safety boat “Alfie” following behind.
As the sun began to emerge all crews enjoyed a very rewarding sail down to East Head in a steady southerly force 3. On arrival at the beach the sailors played boule, flew kites and visited the conservancy activities which included kite making and art workshops.
The remaining crews arrived a little later to join the fun, in a Laser Radial and Wanderer. By now the beach was a frenzy of activity with visiting boats from all over the harbour and beyond.
After a picnic lunch Jon Wilburn and Steve Potter gave Ned Potter (12) and Alex Wilburn (7) a windsurfing lesson in the calm waters of East Head.
With the flood tide well on its way the crews returned to Dell Quay in bright sunshine and a southerly force 2-3 breeze.
Andrew Horne and Jonathan Wilburn
Photos from East Head Cruise
Jonathan Wilburn and Crew on route to East Head
Happy young sailors land on East Head beach
David Swift and crew in safety boat “Alfie”
