National 18 English Championships at Bosham Sailing Club

Startline action during the National 18 English Championships at Bosham © Greg Grant

Optimus Prime during the National 18 English Championships at Bosham © Greg Grant

Tom Reid, Nick Philips & Will Reid win the National 18 English Championships at Bosham © Greg Grant

When we arrived at Bosham on Saturday (10th July), there was absolutely no wind. A flat calm, and that is the way it stayed all day. No good for sailing but a chance to boat bimble and catch up.

There was Covid in the kitchen, so Club supper was off as well. Nevertheless we gathered on the terrace and shared fish & chips and a few beers. It was a lovely evening in a beautiful place with a very photogenic sunset.

Sunday saw fourteen 18s of various vintages set out from the Quay in a light/moderate Southerly wind for three back-to-back races. There were new Ultras, the older Ultimates, the wonderful Classics and a sprinkling of the Chi Harbour 18s. All racing to established Class handicaps.

Out on Chi Harbour the Race Officer set a bit of a navigation exercise in the first race and the leading visitors failed it by choosing the wrong turning mark, resulting in Bosham Classics taking the first six places.

Races two and three saw the three Ultras out in front, and largely ahead on handicap as well, with Ace having two firsts and the Ulta prototype Odyssey from Lymington a second. A very pleasant day on the water, with thanks to Race Officer David Macfarline and his team.

With no discards allowed, local Classic 18/133 'Theorette' skippered by Tom Reid came out on top with Ultra 18/424 'Ace', Ollie Houseman from Chew Valley in second place. Third was THE Classic Classic 18/15, 'Tinkerbell', Richard Stirrup. She was built in 1938 and still looks a beauty.

Overall Results: