Schools Week Championship makes a welcome return to Itchenor Sailing Club

Hayling College RS Feva during the 2017 Schools Week Championships at Itchenor © Jessica Marsh

Hundreds of students from over 40 schools around the UK descend on Itchenor Sailing Club in June for the annual Schools Week Championships. The much-anticipated sailing event will see the club play host to a week of racing around Chichester Harbour on 24-29 June.

Itchenor Sailing Club has hosted the National Schools Championships since 1953. The event aims to promote inter-schools sailing competition and encourage participation in the sport. The attractions of Itchenor combined with the welcome change of pace after summer exams make this a popular event, with many local and national schools taking part.

Following the success of last year, a practice race will once again take place on Sunday 24 June for the RS Feva category followed by two days of racing on the 25-26 June. The older students will then take over in Fireflys with training on the 27 June and racing on the 28-29 June.

Commodore of Itchenor Sailing Club, Neil Hart commented, "We are very proud that Itchenor hosts this fantastic event in the youth sailing calendar every year. It is great to see the students' confidence and ability grow with each year along with the standard of racing. It's a tournament worth watching - previous winners have included double gold and silver medallist Rodney Pattisson, double silver medallist Ian Walker as well as international sailor Phil Crebbin, so you never know when you might be watching a future Olympic champion in action! We wish all the students the best of luck for the championships and can't wait to welcome them here in June."

This year's event is sponsored once again by long-term supporters, MPI Brokers and JDX Consulting.

Registration to the 2018 Schools Week Championships is now open and schools can enter at www.itchenorsc.co.uk. For more information on School Week Championships contact the club office on 01243 512400.