RS200 Open at Itchenor Sailing Club

Fickle breezes, strong tides and black flags for the Itchenor RS200 open © David Priscott

Itchenor Sailing Club attracts strong RS200 fleet

Fickle breezes, strong tides and black flags were the determining factors in Itchenor Sailing Club’s RS200 Open Meeting held on Sunday May 24th. Racing for the coveted Itchenor Burgee attracted 29 crews from 13 different clubs.

The four race series in Chichester Harbour was dominated by a strong spring ebb. The sea breeze which eventually overcame the Northerly pressure wind was at best fitful. Crews had to be on their mettle to keep on the right side of the start line, particularly once the race officer deployed the black flag.

Each race produced a different winner. David and Nicky Derby won the first race moving up from second place at the end of the first leg. It was the turn of Hector and Ben Cisneros to take the second race – the Reading team benefitting because the first two finishers fell foul of the black flag rule. Steve and Katie Restall from Downs SC recovered from a disappointing 14th place in the first race to take 4th place in the second and first in the third race. Finally it was the turn of James Peters and Alan Robert from Hayling Island to win the fourth race and with it the series.

Overall Results:

1st James Peters & Alan Robert (Hayling Island SC) 6pts
2nd Steve & Katie Restall (Downs SC) 13pts
3rd Mike Chapman & Lynn Ratcliffe (Bough Beach SC) 14pts
4th Hector & Ben Cisneros (Reading SC) 15pts
5th David & Lynn Derby (Bough Beach SC) 16pts