Harken Youth Championships at Itchenor Sailing Club

RS200 fleet © RS UK Class Associations

Congratulations to Ollie Evans and Zoe Nieveen, Harken RS200 Youth Champions 2023!

Itchenor Sailing Club's stunning location offered a perfect blend of natural beauty and challenging sailing conditions. The expansive Chichester Harbour provided a unique setting, characterized by its tidal waters, shifting winds, and scenic landscapes. The vibrant atmosphere at the club, coupled with its exceptional facilities and warm hospitality, created an excellent base for when the rain came and went while the sailors waited for the wind during the morning of day 1.

Once the wind had filled in, twelve RS200s departed from Itchenor, joined by another 3 who had sailed from HISC down to the sailing area.

Race 1 saw a rather one-sided course, with the leaders managing to escape the tide by sending it hard right near the shore, creating a tight battle for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with Sam Dickinson and Laura Hantrais getting the win.

The wind began to drop for race 2, becoming a tense fight for who could utilise the remaining pressure the best. In the end it was Jamie Harris and Natalie Annels who crossed the line 1st.

The wind made a brief return for the final race of the day, with Ollie Evans and Zoe Nieveen taking the win.

After racing, an excellent lasagne was served, accompanied by a delicious brownie, which provided a delightful end to a fantastic day's racing.

Day 2 came with the promise of slightly more wind so (after a brief postponement) the boats were launched.

Tom and Tristan Ahlheid took the win on race 4, with the sun and wind beginning to come through as forecast.

Ollie and Zoe won race 5, leading to race 6 and 7 where Jamie and Natalie found some rocket-like speed to win both races and close the gap to Ollie and Zoe, but not quite pass them.

Overall winners, crowned Harken RS200 Youth Champions were Ollie Evans and Zoe Nieveen, justa point ahead of open winners Jomie Harris and Natalie Annels. Harken Junior Champions, and surely ones to watch for the future are Sam Dickinson and Laura Hantrais.

A fantastic event with great races and a wonderful venue. A big thanks to the race committee and everyone involved in organising it to make it all possible as well as Harken for some great prizes!

Prize winners:

• Harken RS200 Youth Champions - Ollie Evans and Zoe Nieveen
• Harken RS200 Junior Champions - Sam Dickinson and Laura Hantrais
• 1st Female Helm - Bridgitte Nee
• 1st Open over 22 -Jamie Harris and Natalie Annels

Overall Results: