Dell Quay Sailing Club

(Published in the Chichester Observer on Thursday 18 August 2016)

Dell Quay Sailing Club completed yet another very successful junior week early in August.

There was some very competitive racing in the main series. The Fastnet group demonstrated an improving awareness of tactics and how to apply the racing rules when in the proximity of other boats and racing marks. 

Tom Bettle (Laser Radial) was the dominant force in the main series, however, he was pushed all the way by Harry Pullinger (Topper) who put in some very consistent performances to finish hot on his heels in second place. Nina Moranne (Topper) finished third.

Alongside the main series, the Fastnets improved their boat control, wind awareness and tactical decision making through a variety of fun, on-the-water activities. A pursuit race to Itchenor on Thursday also gave the sailors a chance to put into practice their tidal and meteorological knowledge and the whole fleet made it to Itchenor in time for an ice cream! It was Tom Bettle who prevailed in the pursuit, holding onto the lead ahead of Nina Moranne and Harry Smith who were bearing down on him in the Laser 2000 as the finish approached.

The racing this year culminated in the Junior Week Regatta, which involved some twenty-seven sailors from the Pirates, Shipmates, Skippers and Fastnets in a series of three handicap races. Gentle breezes contrasted with the fresh breezes of the previous day bringing some artful light-wind sailing from Louise Dicker and Hazel Jones (RS Feva) to take the series win ahead of Tom Bettle. Max Sydenham of the Pirates backed up some strong starts with consistent racing throughout the regatta to finish third.

It is pleasing to see just how much talent and tenacity there is in the club and how positively the juniors at Dell Quay respond to feedback. Now that many of the juniors have experienced the spirit of club-style racing in the regatta and open-meeting-style racing in the main series, it will be interesting to see them challenge some of the club's more established racers for its coveted silverware in the future!

Chris West