Dell Quay Sailing Club increase participation by encouraging rowing in Celtic Longboat winter series
by Peter Haig 23 Feb 17:50 GMT
22 February 2026
Celtic Longboat Winter Rowing Regatta at Dell Quay © Ally Forest
Dell Quay SC has been established for 100 years, over that time things change, habits change, sport changes. A few years ago the club decided to branch out into rowing as a way to help re-engage some of the existing members to get them back on the water - we benefit from a stunningly beautiful and very safe location within Chichester Harbour, would be a shame not to use it!
Over the last couple of years the rowing part of the club has grown exponentially in terms of active members and bringing in lots of new faces to the club along with a 'have a go' mentality its opened up a new stream of members - and therefore income to the club.
Our members have still got the competitive spirit and are out every week training and increasing the use of the club at times where it may otherwise be a little quite. With events taking place across the harbour as well as wider afield, Dell Quay has become a force to be reckoned with on the water and were delighted to host this weekends Celtic Longboat winter series regatta.
Excitement had been building for weeks for our annual rowing regatta hosted at DQSC on Sunday 22nd February. The day dawned very grey and damp, but this did not deter the 121 rowers (and friends) from nine rowing clubs from around the Three Harbours who attended.
Soon the Club was heaving with slightly soggy rowers, and the racers got ready.
First off were the Ladies. Conditions were adverse, with strong tide and wind against them (and constant rain) on the first leg. They battled on regardless and flew home. The DQ ladies finished a creditable fifth place.
Next came the Men. DQ powered off from the start, keen to make up for being beaten by Bosham in the previous event. They had a storming row, finishing first, and 21 seconds ahead of any other team on the day. Awesome rowing!
The mixed team followed, with our two ladies rowing for a second time on the day. We were paired with the CYC boat, and it was neck and neck all the way. This spurred on heroic efforts, and we beat them by a length, finishing fourth overall.
The best bit is still to come... The Captains' Select Team were the next to go, mostly rowers with little or no experience. Many had youth and enthusiasm on their side. The DQ team shot off and were soon overtaking boats from the previous wave. They flew over the line, well ahead of any other crews, and were only beaten on the day by.. you guessed it, the DQ Men's team. A hugely creditable performance.
As the results were collated, jolly rowers from Tudor, Langstone Cutters, Emsworth Sailing Club, Coastal Rowing Academy, Bosham, Emsworth Slipper, Chichester Yacht Club, Itchenor, and Dell Quay mingled in the clubhouse. The sun came out (finally) and delicious soup and rolls were served.
There is a great sense of camaraderie within the rowing community, and many friendships have been made because of it. This was very evident today. While there is keen competition on the water, we all help each other and look after each other off the water. It is lovely to be part of this.
The event closed with the results and thanks to everyone who helped make the day a success. One more day of racing remains in the Celtic Winter Series. We are trailing Langstone by several points, but we could still clinch it!
If you want to know more about the rowing on offer at Dell Quay, pop an email over to Martin Moss at
Often regarded as the prettiest part of Chichester Harbour, why not come and join the 'small club with a big heart', as it has been described!