Chichester Harbour Federation Week 2012 - Preview

Chichester Harbour Federation Week 2012 takes places between 20-24 August © Robert Macdonald

With on-line entries for Fed Week growing fast, the event's appeal is stretching further than ever – one Finn competitor's home club is Aeolians South Africa. Besides Finns, there are strong fleets already in the Solo and RS400 classes, with RS800s forming a sizeable contingent in the Fast Asymmetric event.

In all, 17 separate events, split between three courses in Chichester Harbour, cater for dinghies from the fastest foiling International Moths to Teras and Optimists for Olympians-to-be in 2024. There will be starts for five handicap fleets and twelve classes.

Racing is under the burgee of Hayling Island SC, where the long sandy beach makes for easy launching and recovery and provides a great place for non-sailing children to play and swim. Revised courses this year aim to give even better racing, and the social programme includes a new venue, Bosham SC – which, like other member clubs of the Chichester Harbour Federation, is also providing volunteers for the large race team which makes the event possible.

With Olympic furore finished, the organisers hope Fed Week will draw its regular entry of close to 400 boats. If the full five-day racing programme is completed, three results are needed to count towards the coveted Fed Week plates and trophies, and sailors can enter for part of the week or individual days at reduced fees. On-line entry remains open until 10pm on Friday August 17, and competitors can enter in person at HISC on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, or from 8am on race days. First warning signals on August 20 are at 12.30pm. For full details and the link to on-line entry go to www.chifed.org, or contact HISC on 02392 463768.