Harvest RS Feva & ILCA race series
Published 09:45 on 5 Nov 2025
Race Report Chichester harbour Harvest RS Feva & Ilca race series 30,31/10/25.
4 intrepid Dell Quay juniors, entered the first of three harbour race series. Archie Pearson, Olly Rutter, Freddie Pearson and Sofia Hilary set off from Itchenor sailing club at 10am to join 21 other RS Fevas in the harbour. With a 1.8nm sail to the committee boat which was located near race mark Astra which is near Cambermet. FYI Fishbourne to Longmore is 1.7nm. With a very calm 3-5kts S-SW as they left Itchenor, which gave the juniors a unknowing false sense of security. At 10:41 it was 4.8kts at 10:46 it increased to 11.5kts gusting 12.9kts and increased to 19kts with gust of 23kts. This paved the way for some wonderful competitive sailing.
With a simple windward/leeward course set up, and the first race starting at 11am, the juniors started the first race of four with a winning appetite.
Despite this, unfortunately, Freddie and Sofias feva was plagued with kit failure and had to retire with a mysterious stiff rudder. I managed to intercept them on the way back to Itchenor on the shore line. I had a look to see if I could get them back out again but I couldnt see anything obvious. When ashore at Itchenor it was clear to see that some rivets in the rudder had decided to go AWOL and the tiller downhaul has mysteriously been rigged wrong, which meant the rudder rode up as the boat moved forwards, hence the stiff feeling in the rudder.
So, with only Archie and Olly in the running, it was up to them to fly the flag for the DQSC juniors. The champions they are, they fought on to the bitter end after completing 4 races of 3 laps. They had it all, shifting winds, gusty conditions, turning tide and a couple of brave competitors getting in the way, trying to port tack the entire fleet at the start line. One boat almost managed it but due to the gusty conditions they rode up and caused a few issues on the start line. All good practise though. The last competitor on the last race, got through the finish at 14:00. Thats just over 4 hours on the water by the time Archie and Olly got back to dry land. A massive feat of endurance in itself.
With a 10th,12th,11th and 14th place (they capsized on the last race at the leeward mark on the 2nd lap) they came 12th overall out of 23 Fevas which they should be very proud of. I know the coaching team are super proud of them.
With a big smile on there faces they returned elated, tired and with a few cold toes to boot.
The Friday was unfortunately cancelled due to strong winds but this still didn't dampen the spirits of these amazing juniors. So a quick trip to West Wittering beach and a surf session in the waves was a perfect end to the adventure.
Well done to all of you especially Archie and Olly and next time fingers crossed the boats behave and we can get both boats out there racing. Results can be found here
If any other stage 4 or above juniors (including the AIS) who want to venture down the harbour and get involved in some harbour races. There are another 4 days of racing:
- Solstice RS Feva & Laser harbour race 22/11/25 & 23/11/25
- Spring RS Feva & Laser harbour race 18/11/25 & 19/11/25
You can enter into any or all of the 4 days, just let us know either through SPOND (for those of you who are on it) by saying you will be Attending or enter the races yourself via Itchenor's website
If there are any juniors who hold a stage 2 certificate and above and are not on the new Dell Quay juniors race group on SPOND please contact either Harvey Hilary or Nick Pearson or follow this link to be added to the group.
This group is just to advertise club, harbour, championship races and junior race training sessions. You will be amazed at how many races you can take part in. As the next years sailing calendar is near finalization we will be uploading all of the club, harbour and championship races onto SPOND so follow the link above to find out more information.
